Perceval, Spencer (1762-1812), served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from October 1809 to May 1812. Perceval was the only British prime minster to meet a violent death while in office. On May 11, 1812, he was entering the lobby of the House of Commons when he was shot and killed by John Bellingham. Bellingham was a merchant who blamed the government for his debts. Bellingham pleaded insanity at his trial for Perceval’s murder. However, he was found guilty and hanged on May 18, just one week after the assassination. Perceval had been prime minister for three years during the difficult times of the Napoleonic Wars.
Perceval was born in London on Nov. 1, 1762. He was one of nine children born to John Perceval, Second Earl of Egmont. Young Spencer was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He became a professional lawyer. During the 1790’s, he took part in the prosecution of Thomas Paine and other radical leaders. Perceval entered Parliament in 1796 as representative for Northampton in the House of Commons. He served as solicitor general from 1801 to 1802, attorney general from 1802 to 1807, and chancellor of the exchequer from 1807 to 1809. In 1809, he succeeded the Duke of Portland as prime minister. Spencer married Jane Wilson in 1790. The couple had 12 children. See also Paine, Thomas.
