This series of biographies of British Prime Ministers, from Sir Robert Walpole to Gordon Brown are written by members of History & Policy, a 500+ strong network of expert historians. These new, succinct bios will be published over the coming months.
Each describes the major issues facing the PM at the time, his or her successes and failures in office, as well as personal characteristics. The series will offer readers of the History of Government Blog clear analysis and interesting insights into how Britain’s Prime Ministers have ruled across nearly 300 years.
...to aide-de-camp to George III. In the same year he became MP for Wycombe, and was elected to the Irish Parliament the following year. Ambitious and combative In May 1761...
...the American War of Independence meant that it soon rose by £75 million. Taxing issues overseas Such talents, along with significant changes in the administration of India, Ireland and Canada,...
...the death of his father in 1741 and his paternal uncle in 1747 made him heir to his grandfather, the second Duke, Lord Chamberlain to George II. His grandfather was...
William Pitt the Elder, first Earl of Chatham, was an important war leader who found it harder to govern in peace time. Born in November 1708, Pitt’s grandfather and father were both MPs and his grandfather, Thomas, had been governor …
Charles Watson-Wentworth, second Marquess of Rockingham, emerged as one of the leading opposition figures during George III’s reign but also managed to head two short administrations himself. Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd...
...being Treasurer of the Navy. New reign, new opportunities Grenville had grown close to the future king, George III, during the 1750s and George’s accession, combined with his frustrations with...
...George was a close one – he was a father-like figure for the young prince. Following George II’s death in October 1760, the new King promoted Bute quickly. He became...
...reached between Newcastle, Pitt and George II. By April 1757, George had grown tired of waiting for Newcastle to come back into the fold. He sacked Pitt, provoking a protracted...
...the Whig cause and the Hanoverian succession was rewarded by George I with a series of noble titles, including the Dukedom of Newcastle, previously held by his uncle. During the...
...1746. When George II was unable to form an alternative administration without them, the Old Corps were returned to power and Carteret’s influence diminished. Pelham, along with Newcastle and Philip...