Walpole, Sir Robert (1676-1745), the first Earl of Orford, was the most influential politician in England during the first half of the 1700’s. He became Britain’s first prime minister, though the title was not official at the time. Walpole became famous for his ability to transact government business. He also supported Britain’s Kings George I and George II of the German House of Hanover against the Stuart family’s claims to the British throne (see Stuart, House of ).
Walpole entered Parliament in 1701 and by 1708 was secretary at war. He showed ability, but he lost his offices when the Tories replaced the Whigs in 1710-1711. He then became the leader of the opposition in the House of Commons. The new government convicted Walpole of graft and sent him to prison in 1712. But he returned to Parliament in 1713.
After George I became king in 1714, Walpole’s political stature increased. He became first lord of the treasury in 1715, but resigned in 1717. During the next few years, he attacked the government and built up his influence in the House of Commons.
In 1721, Walpole again became first lord of the treasury and chancellor of the exchequer. For the next 21 years, he was the most powerful person in Britain. His primary goal was to end the political instability that had plagued Britain in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s by helping the Whigs dominate the government. For this reason, Walpole worked to control the House of Commons. For years, Walpole defeated opposition by his debating skill, his power and influence, and his constant attendance in the House.
Eventually, grievances against Walpole’s rule led to growing opposition to him among Tories and some Whigs. For example, Walpole worked to prevent war with Spain at a time when demand for such a war was growing in Britain. He knew that war would threaten his power and encourage supporters of the Stuarts. But war broke out with Spain in 1739 and with France in 1741, and Walpole’s hold on the House of Commons declined. His loss of a majority in the House and his failing health caused him to resign in 1742. But Walpole was almost immediately made Earl of Orford, and he influenced policies in the House of Lords until his death on March 18, 1745.
Walpole was born on Aug. 26, 1676, in Houghton, in the county of Norfolk, and was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University. His youngest son, Horace Walpole, wrote The Castle of Otranto (1764), the first Gothic novel.
