List of Privy Counsellors (1714–1820) facts for kids

A Privy Counsellor was a special advisor to the King or Queen of Great Britain and later the United Kingdom. These important people were chosen by the monarch to help make big decisions about how the country was run. They were part of a group called the Privy Council, which was like a very old and powerful advisory committee.

This list shows some of the people who became Privy Counsellors between 1714, when King George I started his rule, and 1820, when King George III passed away. Being a Privy Counsellor was a huge honor and meant you were very trusted by the King.

King George I: 1714–1727

King George I became King of Great Britain in 1714. He was also the ruler of Hanover, a German state. During his reign, many important people were appointed to the Privy Council to help him govern the country.

New Advisors in 1714

When King George I took the throne, he appointed several key figures to his Privy Council. These included:

• George Augustus, Prince of Wales: The King's son, who would later become King George II.
• Robert Walpole: A very influential politician who would become one of Britain's first "Prime Ministers."
• James Stanhope: A military leader and statesman.
• The Earl of Dorset: A nobleman who held important positions.

More Appointments (1715-1727)

Throughout his reign, King George I continued to add new members to the Privy Council. These advisors came from different backgrounds, including judges, dukes, earls, and other prominent figures. They helped the King with laws, foreign affairs, and other matters of state.

Some notable appointments during this period included:

• Sir Peter King (1715): A respected judge.
• William Wake (1716): The Archbishop of Canterbury, a leading church figure.
• Joseph Addison (1717): A famous writer and politician.
• The Duke of Newcastle (1717): A powerful politician who would serve for many years.
• The Lord Carteret (1721): A skilled diplomat and statesman.
• The Hon. Henry Pelham (1725): Another future Prime Minister.
• The Earl of Chesterfield (1727): A well-known writer and diplomat.

These individuals played a vital role in shaping the early 18th-century British government.

King George II: 1727–1760

King George II followed his father, George I, to the throne in 1727. His reign saw Britain become a major European power, and the Privy Council continued to be a central part of the government.

Key Advisors in 1727

Right after becoming King, George II appointed new Privy Counsellors, including:

• The Earl of Scarbrough: A military officer and nobleman.
• The Earl of Grantham: Another important peer.

Important Figures (1728-1760)

During George II's long reign, many influential people joined the Privy Council. They helped manage the country's growing empire and navigate various wars and political challenges.

Some of the significant appointments included:

• Frederick, Prince of Wales (1728): The King's son, though he never became King himself.
• Horatio Walpole (1730): A diplomat and brother of Robert Walpole.
• The Duke of Devonshire (1731): A prominent nobleman.
• Sir Charles Wager (1732): A distinguished naval officer.
• Sir Philip Yorke (1733): A leading legal mind.
• William Pitt the Elder (1746): A famous statesman who led Britain during the Seven Years' War.
• Henry Fox (1746): Another powerful politician.
• The Lord Anson (1750): A celebrated admiral.
• Marquess of Hartington (1751): A future Prime Minister.
• George Grenville (1754): Another future Prime Minister.
• The Lord Mansfield (1756): A highly respected judge.
• Sir Robert Henley (1757): A Lord Chancellor.

These individuals were crucial in guiding Britain through a period of significant growth and change.

King George III: 1760–1820

King George III had the longest reign of the three monarchs, lasting 60 years. This period included major events like the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The Privy Council remained a vital body for advising the King.

New Appointments in 1760

At the start of his reign, King George III brought in new advisors, such as:

• Prince Edward, Duke of York (1760): The King's brother.
• The Earl of Bute (1760): A close advisor to the King.

Key Figures (1761-1820)

The long reign of George III saw many changes in British politics and society. The Privy Council included many of the most famous and influential figures of the era.

Some important appointments during this time were:

• The Earl Talbot (1761): A Lord Steward.
• Sir Charles Pratt (1762): A Lord Chancellor.
• The Earl of Shelburne (1763): A future Prime Minister.
• The Duke of Portland (1765): Another future Prime Minister.
• The Duke of Grafton (1765): A future Prime Minister.
• The Marquess of Rockingham (1765): A future Prime Minister.
• William Pitt the Elder (re-admitted 1766): A very influential statesman.
• Lord North (1766): Prime Minister during the American Revolution.
• The Earl Cornwallis (1770): A famous general.
• The Lord Apsley (1771): A Lord Chancellor.
• The Lord Thurlow (1778): A powerful Lord Chancellor.
• The Hon. Charles James Fox (1782): A leading Whig politician.
• The Hon. William Pitt (1782): Became Prime Minister at a very young age.
• Henry Dundas (1782): A key figure in government.
• George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales (1783): The future King George IV.
• William Grenville (1783): A future Prime Minister.
• Henry Addington (1789): A future Prime Minister.
• The Earl of Mornington (1793): A diplomat and brother of the Duke of Wellington.
• George Canning (1800): A future Prime Minister.
• The Hon. Sir Arthur Wellesley (1807): The famous general who defeated Napoleon.
• Robert Peel (1812): A future Prime Minister.

These individuals, from various backgrounds, played crucial roles in advising the monarch and shaping the course of British history during a very eventful period.