Inspirational Quotes by Robert Walpole (British Statesman)

Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1676–1745,) was a Whig politician, First Lord of the Treasury, and Chancellor of the Exchequer 1715–17 and 1721–42. He is traditionally known as the first British prime minister, having presided over the Cabinet for George I and George II. He was also the father of English writer Horace Walpole.

Born in Houghton in Norfolk, Robert Walpole attended Eton and King’s College-Cambridge. He was destined for the Church but joined politics, especially by accident when his two elder brothers died, leaving him the family estate and adequate wealth to pursue a political career. He joined the House of Commons in 1701.

A formidable speaker, Walpole rapidly rose in his party’s ranks during Queen Anne’s rule, appointed Secretary for War in 1708 and Treasurer of the Navy in 1710. After the Whig collapse in 1710, the Tory government sent him to the Tower for alleged corruption (1712.) Still, he was recalled by the new king, George I, who had followed in 1714, and made a Privy Councillor and Chancellor of the Exchequer (1715.)

The unpopular George I could not talk English and gave up attending parliament proceedings, thereby leaving Walpole significant leeway and discretion as government leader. Slowly, Walpole established his dominance, chairing a small group of Ministers on the king’s behalf, which was the forerunner of the present-day Cabinet.

Walpole’s foreign policy was rooted in his resolve to maintain peace. His influence subsided after the War of Jenkins’ Ear with Spain in 1739, and he resigned in 1742. He enjoyed good relations with the Prince of Wales, who became George II, and Queen Caroline. Walpole was presented with No 10 Downing Street, which was to become the permanent London dwelling of all future prime ministers.

Biographies include H T Dickinson’s Walpole and the Whig Supremacy (1973) and Brian W. Hill’s Sir Robert Walpole: Sole and Prime Minister (1989.)

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