First Whig Junto facts for kids
The First Whig Junto was a powerful group of politicians who were in charge of the government of England from 1694 to 1699. They were the first part of a larger group called the Whig Junto, which was like a small, influential team that made many important political decisions. This group was chosen again after elections in 1695 and 1698.
Contents
How the Whig Junto Started
The Whig politicians became very important in the government around 1694. This happened after Lord Danby had been in charge through several changes of kings and queens. The Whig Junto really took control in 1694 when Sir Charles Montagu was made Chancellor of the Exchequer on May 10th. Even though Lord Danby (who became the Duke of Leeds) was still in a high position, the Junto was the main power in England's government from 1694 to 1699.
Key Leaders and Their Roles
The First Whig Junto was led by six very important members. These were Montagu, Somers, Wharton, Romney, Orford, and Shrewsbury. They also had two unofficial helpers in the House of Lords, who were the Earls of Sunderland and Portland. Only one of these helpers held a government job at the time, as Lord Chamberlain. The Whig Party had more members than any other party in the House of Commons after the 1695 election. However, not all Whig members always agreed with the Junto.
What the Whig Junto Achieved
One of the biggest things the Whig Junto did was help create the Bank of England in 1694. This was a very important step for England's money system.
The End of the First Whig Junto
By 1699, the power of the Whig Junto started to fade. This was because of strong opposition from Robert Harley and the Tory Party. Many of the members of the Junto would later return to government between 1706 and 1710. They were part of a different government called the Godolphin-Marlborough ministry.
Important Government Roles
The government during this time was mainly led by the six most important members of the Whig Junto. Here are some of the key roles they held:
| Job Title | Name | Years in Office |
|---|---|---|
| Chancellor of the Exchequer | Sir Charles Montagu | 1694–1699 |
| First Lord of the Treasury | 1697–1699 | |
| Lord Keeper | The Lord Somers | 1694–1697 |
| Lord Chancellor | 1697–1699 | |
| Comptroller of the Household | The Lord Wharton | 1694–1699 |
| Master-General of the Ordnance | The Earl of Romney | 1694–1699 |
| Lord High Admiral | The Earl of Orford | 1694–1699 |
| Northern Secretary | The Duke of Shrewsbury | 1694–1695 |
| Southern Secretary | 1695–1698 |
Other people also held important jobs in the government, but they had less power than the main Junto members.
| Job Title | Name | Years in Office |
|---|---|---|
| Archbishop of Canterbury | Thomas Tenison | 1694–1699 |
| First Lord of the Treasury | The Lord Godolphin of Rialton (Tory) | 1694–1697 |
| Lord President of the Council | The Duke of Leeds | 1694–1699 |
| Lord Privy Seal | The Earl of Pembroke | 1694–1699 |
| Lord Steward | The Duke of Devonshire | 1694–1699 |
| Lord Chamberlain | The Earl of Sunderland | 1695–1699 |
| Southern Secretary | Sir John Trenchard | 1694–1695 |
| James Vernon | 1698–1699 | |
| Northern Secretary | Sir William Trumbull | 1695–1697 |
| James Vernon | 1697–1699 |
James Vernon became a Secretary of State in 1697, first in charge of the Northern Department. The next year, after the Duke of Shrewsbury left, he also took over the Southern Department.
