Robert Walpole

Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, KG KB PC (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 exact dates of his dominance are a matter of scholarly debate, 1721–1742 are often used. He dominated the Walpole–Townshend Ministry and the Ministry and holds the record as the longest serving Prime Minister in British history. Critics called his system the "Robinocracy." Speck says that Walpole's uninterrupted run of 20 years as Prime Minister "is rightly regarded as one of the major feats of British political history.... Explanations are usually offered in terms of his expert handling of the political system after 1720, [and] his unique blending of the surviving powers of the crown with the increasing influence of the Commons."

He was a Whig from the gentry class, who was first elected to parliament in 1701, and held many senior positions. He was a country squire and looked to country gentlemen for his political base. Historian Frank O'Gorman says his leadership in Parliament reflected his "reasonable and persuasive oratory, his ability to move both the emotions as well as the minds of men, and, above all, his extraordinary self-confidence." Hoppit says Walpole's policies sought moderation: he worked for peace, lower taxes, growing exports, and allowed a little more tolerance for Protestant Dissenters. He avoided controversy and high-intensity disputes, as his middle way attracted moderates from both the Whig and Tory camps.

Robert Walpole (ambassador)

Robert Walpole (3 May 1736 – 19 April 1810), from 1756 styled The Hon. Robert Walpole, was the fourth son of the 1st Baron Walpole, the younger brother of Robert Walpole, the Prime Minister. He served as an extra clerk of the Privy Council from 1749 until 1764, when he replaced Henry Fane as one of the Clerks in Ordinary. After serving as secretary of the British embassy in Paris, he was envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Portugal from 1771 to 1800. One of his sons was Major-General George Walpole (1758–1835), under-secretary for foreign affairs in 1806.

Walpole was married twice: first, on 8 May 1780, to Diana Grosset (died 24 July 1784); and second, on 10 May 1785, to Sophia Stert (died 12 June 1829). He had issue by both wives; Robert Walpole the classical scholar was a son of the first marriage.

Notes

Robert Walpole (classical scholar)

Robert Walpole (1781–1856) was an English classical scholar.

Life

Born on 8 August 1781 in Lisbon, he was the eldest son of Robert Walpole, envoy to Portugal, by his first wife, Diana, daughter of Walter Grosset(t); Horatio Walpole, 1st Baron Walpole, was his grandfather. He was educated at Charterhouse School. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge from 1800, having first matriculated at Merton College, Oxford in 1797, and there he graduated B.A. in 1803, M.A. in 1809, and B.D. in 1828. He was admitted to Lincoln's Inn in 1803.

Soon after leaving Cambridge, Walpole travelled in Greece. On returning to Cambridge he presented a marble dramatic mask sculpture from the theatre at Stratonicea to the University Library.

Walpole was ordained deacon in 1808, and priest the following year. In 1809 he became rector of Itteringham, Norfolk, in 1815 rector of Tivetshall, Norfolk, and in 1828 rector of Christ Church, Marylebone, London. He held Itteringham and Christ Church for the rest of his life. He died in Harewood Street, London, on 16 April 1856. He had estates at Carrow Abbey, near Norwich, and at Scole Lodge, Osmundeston, Norfolk.

Robert Walpole (1650–1700)

Colonel Robert Walpole (18 November 1650 – 18 November 1700) was an English Whig politician who represented the borough of Castle Rising from 1689 to 1700 in the House of Commons of England. Because he held the rank of Colonel in the militia, he was widely known as Colonel Walpole. He is mainly notable for being the father of Sir Robert Walpole. His son, who served during the reigns of George I and George II, is considered to have been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. He is also known for being the Guinness World Records titular for having the world's longest overdue book.

Early life and career

Robert Walpole was born in 1650 to Susan Walpole (née Crane) and Edward Walpole. His father ardently supported Charles II for restoration and would become a Knight of the Bath later in his life. Robert was born in Norfolk on the estate that the Walpole family had lived on for over four hundred years. Walpole owned Houghton Hall in Norfolk. In 1668 Walpole borrowed a German biography book about the Archbishop of Bremen from the library of Sidney Sussex College. It was finally found in 1956 when Professor John Plumb and the 5th Marquess of Cholmondeley discovered the book in Houghton Hall's library. The book was quickly returned, 288 years after it was checked out. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1689 where he would serve for 11 more years. During this time he would also serve as a colonel in the militia.

Robert Walpole (cricketer)

Robert Walpole (born 1768 in England; died 18 May 1834 in England) was an English amateur cricketer who made 5 known appearances in major cricket matches from 1793 to 1808.

Cricket career

He was mainly associated with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and with Homerton Cricket Club.

References

External sources

Robert Walpole (disambiguation)

Robert Walpole 1st Earl of Orford (1676–1745) was Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1721–1742.

Robert Walpole may also refer to: