Edward Boyle, Baron Boyle of Handsworth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Lord Boyle of Handsworth CH PC
Minister of Education
In office 13 July 1962 – 1 April 1964
Preceded by	David Eccles
Succeeded by	Quintin Hogg
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Handsworth
In office 16 November 1950 – 29 May 1970
Preceded by	Harold Roberts
Succeeded by	Sydney Chapman
Personal details
Born	(1923-08-31)31 August 1923
Died	28 September 1981(1981-09-28) (aged 58)
Alma mater	Christ Church, Oxford

Edward Charles Gurney Boyle, Baron Boyle of Handsworth (born 31 August 1923 – died 28 September 1981) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. Later, he became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds. He was also known as Lord Boyle of Handsworth.

Edward Boyle's Early Life and Education

Edward Boyle was born in Kensington, London. He was the oldest son of Sir Edward Boyle. He went to a famous school called Eton College. After that, he studied history at Christ Church, Oxford university. He finished his studies in 1949.

During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, he worked for the government. He was a junior officer at the Foreign Office. He also worked at Bletchley Park. This was a secret place where people decoded enemy messages during the war.

Edward Boyle's Political Career

Edward Boyle became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1950. He represented the area of Birmingham Handsworth. He held this seat in Parliament until he retired in 1970.

During his time as an MP, he held many important jobs in the government:

• He was a Parliamentary Private Secretary from 1951 to 1952.
• He worked for the Minister of Supply from 1954 to 1955.
• He was the Economic Secretary to the Treasury from 1955 to 1956. This role involved managing the country's money.
• From 1957 to 1959, he was a Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Education.
• He became the Financial Secretary to the Treasury from 1959 to 1962.
• His most important role was Minister of Education. He held this position from 1962 to 1964.
• In 1964, he was the Minister of State for Education and Science.

In 1957, he helped open new buildings at Abingdon School.

Edward Boyle and the University of Leeds

The Edward Boyle library at the University of Leeds was named in his honour.

After leaving Parliament in 1970, Edward Boyle became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds. This is like being the head of a university. He worked there until he passed away.

He was also a Trustee of the British Museum from 1970 to 1981. This meant he helped manage the famous museum. From 1977 to 1979, he was the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of UK Universities. This group represents all the university leaders in the UK.

Edward Boyle died from cancer in Leeds on 28 September 1981. He was 58 years old.

Edward Boyle's Honours and Awards

When Edward Boyle retired from Parliament in 1970, he received a special honour. He was made a life peer. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords for the rest of his life. His official title was Baron Boyle of Handsworth.

He also received several honorary degrees from different universities. These are special awards given to people who have achieved great things. He received a Doctor of Laws (LLD) from:

• University of Leeds (1965)
• University of Southampton (1965)
• University of Bath (1968)
• University of Sussex (1972)
• University of Liverpool (1981)

In 1977, he also received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University. On 13 June 1981, he was appointed a Companion of Honour (CH). This is a very special award given for outstanding achievements.

Edward Boyle Memorial Trust

After Lord Edward Boyle passed away in 1981, the Edward Boyle Memorial Trust was set up. This trust helps young people with their education, learning, and music.

The trust has a few main goals:

• It helps talented young people who need support the most.
• It supports those with proven talent who are willing to work hard themselves.
• The trust encourages original ideas and excellence.
• It tries to keep its running costs very low.

The trust offered different types of support, including:

• Scholarships for students from Hong Kong, Singapore, or Malaysia studying engineering.
• Bursaries (money) for medical students from Commonwealth countries.