Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, (26 August 1676 – 18 March 1745), known before 1742 as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British statesman who is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. Although the position of "Prime Minister" had no recognition in law or official use at the time, Walpole is nevertheless acknowledged as having held the office de facto because of his influence within the Cabinet.
A Whig who was first elected in 1701, Walpole served during the reigns of George I and George II. Some sources date his tenure as "Prime Minister" from 1730 when, with the retirement of Lord Townshend, he became the sole and undisputed leader of the Cabinet. But his premiership is normally dated from 1721, when he became First Lord of the Treasury; this was generally upheld by the contemporary press, most notably that of the opposition, who focused far more attention on Walpole than on Townshend. Walpole continued to govern until 1742; he was not only the first but also the longest serving Prime Minister in British history.
Monarch George I,George II
Preceded by Office created
Succeeded by The Earl of Wilmington
Chancellor of the Exchequer
In office 4 April 1721 – 12 February 1742
Monarch George I,George II
Preceded by Sir John Pratt
Succeeded by Samuel Sandys
In office 12 October 1715 – 15 April 1717
Monarch George I
Preceded by Sir Richard Onslow, Bt
Succeeded by The Viscount Stanhope
Personal Details
Born 26 August 1676
Houghton, Norfolk, England
Died 18 March 1745 (aged 68)
London, Great Britain
Nationality English/British
Political party Whig
Spouse(s) Catherine (1700–37)
Maria (1738)
Children 6
Alma mater King's College, Cambridge
Profession Statesman,Scholar
Religion Church of England
A Whig who was first elected in 1701, Walpole served during the reigns of George I and George II. Some sources date his tenure as "Prime Minister" from 1730 when, with the retirement of Lord Townshend, he became the sole and undisputed leader of the Cabinet. But his premiership is normally dated from 1721, when he became First Lord of the Treasury; this was generally upheld by the contemporary press, most notably that of the opposition, who focused far more attention on Walpole than on Townshend. Walpole continued to govern until 1742; he was not only the first but also the longest serving Prime Minister in British history.
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| Robert Walpole |
Prime Minister of Great Britain
In office 4 April 1721 – 11 February 1742Monarch George I,George II
Preceded by Office created
Succeeded by The Earl of Wilmington
Chancellor of the Exchequer
In office 4 April 1721 – 12 February 1742
Monarch George I,George II
Preceded by Sir John Pratt
Succeeded by Samuel Sandys
In office 12 October 1715 – 15 April 1717
Monarch George I
Preceded by Sir Richard Onslow, Bt
Succeeded by The Viscount Stanhope
Personal Details
Born 26 August 1676
Houghton, Norfolk, England
Died 18 March 1745 (aged 68)
London, Great Britain
Nationality English/British
Political party Whig
Spouse(s) Catherine (1700–37)
Maria (1738)
Children 6
Alma mater King's College, Cambridge
Profession Statesman,Scholar
Religion Church of England
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