James Waldegrave, 2nd Earl Waldegrave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Waldegrave
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Waldegrave, mezzotint by James MacArdell
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| Prime Minister of Great Britain | |
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Disputed
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| In office 8 June 1757 – 12 June 1757 |
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| Preceded by | The Duke of Devonshire |
| Succeeded by | The Duke of Devonshire |
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| Born | 4 March 1715 |
| Died | 13 April 1763 (aged 48) |
| Spouse |
Maria Walpole
(m. 1759) |
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| Parent | |
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James Waldegrave, 2nd Earl Waldegrave (born March 4, 1715 – died April 13, 1763) was an important English politician. He is sometimes seen as one of Britain's shortest-serving prime ministers. His short time as First Lord of the Treasury is remembered because of his personal writings. These writings are considered very important for understanding a type of history called Whig history.
Contents
Life Story of James Waldegrave
Early Life and Education
James Waldegrave was born the oldest son of James Waldegrave, 1st Earl Waldegrave. His mother was Mary Webb. James went to two well-known schools: Westminster and Eton.
In 1741, when his father passed away, James inherited his father's titles. This meant he became the 2nd Earl Waldegrave.
Public Service and Royal Connections
James Waldegrave held several important roles in the government and royal court. From 1743 to 1752, he was a Lord of the Bedchamber. This was a position close to the King.
In 1752, he joined the Privy Council. This group advises the monarch. From 1752 to 1756, he was a tutor to Prince of Wales, who later became King George III. He also tutored Prince Edward.
A Short Time as Leader
In November 1756, the Prime Minister, the Duke of Newcastle, resigned. Then, in April 1757, King George II removed William Pitt from his government.
The King then asked Lord Waldegrave to take over as First Lord of the Treasury. This role is similar to being Prime Minister. The previous First Lord was the Duke of Devonshire.
Lord Waldegrave tried to form a new government from June 8 to June 12, 1757. However, he was not successful. He decided to step down. One reason was that he worried about disagreeing with the King, who was a close friend.
After Waldegrave stepped down, the Duke of Devonshire continued as First Lord for a short time. The Duke of Newcastle then returned to power a week later. On June 30, Lord Waldegrave was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very high honor.
Family Life and Marriage
On May 15, 1759, James Waldegrave married Maria Walpole. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Walpole. Their wedding took place at Sir Edward's home in London.
The ceremony was performed by Frederick Keppel, who later became a bishop. The witnesses included Sir Edward and his brother, Horace Walpole.
James and Maria had three daughters:
- Lady Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave (1760–1816): She married her cousin, the 4th Earl Waldegrave.
- Lady Charlotte Maria Waldegrave (1761–1808): She married George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Grafton.
- Lady (Anne) Horatia Waldegrave (1762–1801): She married Lord Hugh Seymour.
Later Years and Legacy
When George III became King in 1760, Lord Waldegrave left public life. He passed away three years later, in 1763, from smallpox.
Since he did not have any sons, his titles went to his younger brother, John.
After James Waldegrave's death, his wife Maria married again. She married Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh. He was King George III's brother.
Lord Waldegrave's personal writings, called his memoirs, were published in 1821. These writings give us a lot of information about the politics of his time.
Note: Lord Waldegrave is not always listed as a Prime Minister. However, because he held the title of First Lord of the Treasury, some people consider him to be the second-shortest-serving Prime Minister in British history.
