First Stanhope–Sunderland ministry facts for kids
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The first Stanhope–Sunderland ministry was a team of government leaders in Great Britain. It was led by two important politicians: James Stanhope and Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. This government team was in charge from 1717 to 1721.
Before this, Robert Walpole and Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend were removed from their government jobs. Stanhope and Sunderland, both members of the Whig Party, took their places. They worked together to lead the country. In 1718, Stanhope and Sunderland even swapped their main jobs, forming what was called the second Stanhope–Sunderland ministry. This first ministry ended when Lord Stanhope passed away. After that, Robert Walpole came back to lead the government. Many people consider Walpole to be the first true Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Who Was in the Government Team?
This government team, or "ministry," had many important jobs. Each job was held by a different person. These people helped King George I run the country. They made decisions about money, laws, and how Great Britain interacted with other countries.
Key Roles and Leaders
Here is a list of some of the main jobs and who held them during this time:
| Office | Holder | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| First Lord of the Treasury Chancellor of the Exchequer |
The Viscount Stanhope of Mahon | 1717–1718 |
| Secretary of State for the Northern Department | The Earl of Sunderland | 1717–1718 |
| Secretary of State for the Southern Department | Joseph Addison | 1717–1718 |
| Lord Chancellor | The Lord Cowper | 1717–1718 |
| Lord President of the Council | The Duke of Devonshire | 1717–1718 |
| Lord Privy Seal | The Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull | 1717–1718 |
| First Lord of the Admiralty | The Earl of Berkeley | 1717–1718 |
| Master-General of the Ordnance | The Duke of Marlborough | 1717–1718 |
| Paymaster of the Forces | The Earl of Lincoln | 1717–1718 |
| Lord Lieutenant of Ireland | The Duke of Bolton | 1717–1718 |
| Lord Steward | The Duke of Kent | 1717–1718 |
| Lord Chamberlain | The Duke of Newcastle | 1717–1718 |
| Secretary of State for Scotland | The Duke of Roxburghe | 1717–1718 |
| Preceded by Townshend ministry |
Government of Great Britain 1717–1718 |
Succeeded by Second Stanhope–Sunderland ministry |
