Robert Walpole

The Rt. Hon. Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, KG, GCB, (26 August 1676–18 March 1745), nickname "Cock Robin," was a British Whig statesman who is generally regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. The position of Prime Minister had no official recognition in law, but Walpole is nevertheless acknowledged as having held the de facto office due to the extent of his influence in the Cabinet.

Later years

Orford was succeeded as Prime Minister by Lord Wilmington, in an administration whose true head was Lord Carteret. A committee was created to inquire into his ministry, but no substantial evidence of wrongdoing or corruption was discovered. Though no longer a member of the Cabinet, Lord Orford continued to maintain personal influence with George II and was often dubbed the "Minister behind the Curtain" for this advice and influence. In 1744, he managed to secure the dismissal of Carteret and the appointment of Henry Pelham.

Related Topics:
Lord Wilmington - 1744 - Henry Pelham

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Orford died in London in 1745, aged nearly sixty-nine years; he was buried in his home town of Houghton. His earldom passed to his eldest son Robert, who was in turn succeeded by his only son George. Upon the death of the third Earl, the Earldom was inherited by the first Earl's younger son, Horace Walpole (a famous writer), who died without heirs in 1797.

Related Topics:
1745 - Horace Walpole - 1797

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