Henry Pelham

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Henry Pelham

Henry Pelham (born September 25, 1694 in Laughton , Sussex , † March 6, 1754 in London ) was Prime Minister of Great Britain from August 27, 1743 until his death.

family

Henry Pelham was the younger brother of Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne , and the younger son of Thomas Pelhams, 1st Baron Pelham (of Laughton). Henry Pelham's mother Lady Grace Holles († 1700), daughter of Gilbert Holles, 3rd Earl of Clare, was the sister of John Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne .

In 1726 Pelham married Catherine (1711–1780), daughter of John Manners, 2nd Duke of Rutland , with whom he had two daughters:

Career

In 1717 he won a seat in Parliament for the Seaford district in Sussex , which he held until 1722.

Through the influence of his family and the recommendation of Robert Walpole , he became secretary in the treasury in 1721. In 1724 he came to the War Ministry, but in 1730 he exchanged this position for the post of army paymaster. 1743 Pelham was appointed Prime Minister, at the same time he knew the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer ( Chancellor of the Exchequer ). Still, the most important figure in the cabinet was his brother Thomas Pelham-Holles.

Pelham remained in the Austrian War of Succession with mediocre success and showed weaknesses in warfare. In 1746 King George II wanted to see Lord Bath in the place of Prime Minister, but the king could not prevail against the opposition of the two Pelham brothers. Pelham remained Prime Minister until his death, followed by his brother.

Pelham was considered a man with a strong personality, moderate self-confidence and high demands on the qualities of a statesman. The respect he showed the British House of Commons led to mutual recognition. His financial policy was successful during the reign. The burdens on the state budget could be reduced.

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