Robert Walpole
De facto first Prime Minister of Great Britain, longest-serving in UK history.
Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (; 26 August 1676 – 18 March 1745), known between 1725 and 1742 as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British Whig statesman who is generally regarded as the de facto first Prime Minister of Great Britain, serving from 1721 to 1742. His formal titles included First Lord of the Treasury, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Leader of the House of Commons. He is the longest serving prime minister in UK history, with a tenure of over 20 years.
- born
- 26 August 1676
- died
- 18 March 1745
- field
- Politics
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- First de facto Prime Minister of Great Britain; longest-serving UK prime minister
Quick Facts
- Honorific Prefix
- The Right Honourable
- Honorific Suffix
- country=GBR · size=100% · KG · PC
- Office1
- Prime Minister of Great Britain
- Term Start1
- 3 April 1721
- Term End1
- 11 February 1742
- Monarch1
- George I / George II
- Predecessor1
- Office established
- Successor1
- The Earl of Wilmington
- Office2
- First Lord of the Treasury
- Predecessor2
- The Earl of Sunderland
- Term Start3
- 10 October 1715
- Term End3
- 12 April 1717
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Walpole was born in Houghton, Norfolk, in 1676. One of 17 children, he was the third son and fifth child of Robert Walpole, a member of the local gentry and a Whig politician who represented the borough of Castle Rising in the House of Commons. His wife Mary Burwell was the daughter and co-heiress of Sir Geoffrey Burwell of Rougham, Suffolk. Horatio Walpole, 1st Baron Walpole, was his younger brother.
Reader's Guide
Walpole's political career began in January 1701 when he won a seat in the English general election at Castle Rising in Norfolk. He left Castle Rising in 1702 so that he could represent the neighbouring borough of King's Lynn, a pocket borough that would re-elect him for the remainder of his political career. Voters and politicians nicknamed him 'Robin'. Like his father, Robert Walpole was a member of the Whig Party. In 1705, Walpole was appointed by Queen Anne to be a member of the council for her husband, Prince George of Denmark, Lord High Admiral. After having been singled out in a struggle between the Whigs and the government, Walpole became the intermediary for reconciling the government to the Whig leaders. His abilities were recognised by Lord Godolphin (the Lord High Treasurer and leader of the Cabinet) and he was subsequently appointed to the position of Secretary at War in 1708; for a short period of time in 1710 he also simultaneously held the post of Treasurer of the Navy.
Did You Know?
- Walpole was the third son and fifth child of his father Robert Walpole.
- He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for six months in 1712 after being found guilty of corruption in a matter of forage contracts.
- Walpole introduced the sinking fund, a device to reduce the national debt, while serving as First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Robert Walpole?
Robert Walpole was a British Whig politician born in 1676 who is broadly regarded as the first de facto Prime Minister of Great Britain, steering the government from 1721 until 1742.
What official title did Robert Walpole actually hold?
He never carried the modern title of Prime Minister; his formal posts were First Lord of the Treasury, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Leader of the House of Commons, from which he exercised effective executive control over the ministry.
How long did Robert Walpole serve as prime minister?
His tenure stretched beyond twenty years, a span that still stands as the longest continuous premiership in British history.
Why is Robert Walpole considered important in British political history?
He is widely credited with establishing the practical model of a minister who commands a cabinet and manages Parliament, anchoring the era fans call the 'Robinocracy' under the Walpole–Townshend ministry.
How did Robert Walpole's time in power end?
He lost his parliamentary majority and was driven from office in 1742, passing away in March 1745 at the age of sixty-eight.
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