Liverpool, Earl of (1770-1828), was prime minister of the United Kingdom from June 1812 to April 1827. Liverpool served during a difficult, violent period of British history. Just 10 days after he took office, the United States declared war on the United Kingdom, starting the War of 1812 (1812-1815). Britain’s long, bloody engagement in the Napoleonic Wars ground to a halt in 1815. A ban on grain imports made bread too expensive for many people to buy (see Corn Laws ). In 1817, a severe economic recession led to protests and riots throughout the United Kingdom, culminating in the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. Many personal freedoms were limited or suspended. “Radical” meetings were banned, and newspapers were heavily taxed to limit publication. Many of Liverpool’s measures proved unpopular. General unrest crystallized into the Cato Street Conspiracy in 1820, a failed plot to kill Liverpool and the entire Cabinet. In the 1820’s, Liverpool became increasingly liberal. The United Kingdom soon began a period of economic recovery.
Liverpool was born Robert Banks Jenkinson on June 7, 1770, in London. He was the son of Charles Jenkinson, First Earl of Liverpool, a close adviser to King George III. Young Robert was educated at Charterhouse and Christ’s Church College, Oxford. He entered Parliament in 1790 as representative for Rye in the House of Commons. Jenkinson was made a peer in 1803 and succeeded his father as earl in 1808. From 1801, he held a number of high government offices, including foreign secretary, home secretary, and secretary for war and the colonies.
Liverpool married Lady Louisa Theodosia Hervey in 1795. Louisa died childless in 1821. Liverpool married Mary Chester in 1822. In 1827, after nearly 15 years as prime minister, Liverpool retired after having a stroke. He died in London on Dec. 4, 1828.
See also Cato Street Conspiracy ; George III ; Napoleonic Wars ; Peterloo ; War of 1812 .
