Second Portland ministry facts for kids

The Duke of Portland's government was a group of important people who worked together to run the United Kingdom between 1807 and 1809. They were members of the Tory political party. This government was led by the Duke of Portland, who was like the prime minister of his time.

What is a Government?

A government is a group of people who manage a country. They make decisions about laws, money, and how the country deals with other nations. In the United Kingdom, the government is led by a prime minister and includes many different ministers, each in charge of a specific area.

Who was the Duke of Portland?

The Duke of Portland was an important British politician. He was born in 1738 and became the leader of the government twice. His second time as leader, from 1807 to 1809, is what this article is about. He was known for being a steady leader during a challenging time for Britain.

Key Roles in the Government

The government had many different jobs, and each job was handled by a specific person or group. The most important people were part of the Cabinet. These were the top ministers who met regularly to make big decisions for the country. Their names are shown in bold below.

The Prime Minister: First Lord of the Treasury

The person in charge of the government was called the First Lord of the Treasury. This role is similar to today's Prime Minister.

• The Duke of Portland (March 31, 1807 – October 4, 1809)

Managing Money: Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Chancellor of the Exchequer was responsible for the country's money, taxes, and spending.

• Spencer Perceval (March 26, 1807 –)

Keeping the Peace: Home Secretary

The Home Secretary looked after affairs inside the country, like law and order and keeping people safe.

• The Lord Hawkesbury (March 25, 1807)

Dealing with Other Countries: Foreign Secretary

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs handled Britain's relationships with other countries around the world.

• George Canning (March 25, 1807)

War and Colonies: Secretary of State

The Secretary of State for War and the Colonies was in charge of the army, navy, and Britain's colonies (territories it controlled overseas).

• Viscount Castlereagh (March 25, 1807)

Navy and Sea Power: First Lord of the Admiralty

The First Lord of the Admiralty was the main person in charge of the Royal Navy, Britain's powerful fleet of ships.

• The Lord Mulgrave (April 4, 1807)

Law and Order: Lord Chancellor and Attorney General

The Lord Chancellor was the most senior judge and an important legal advisor to the government. The Attorney General was the chief legal officer.

• The Lord Eldon (April 1, 1807)
• Sir Vicary Gibbs (April 20, 1807) - Attorney General

Other Important Roles

Many other people held important positions in the government, helping to manage different parts of the country's affairs. Here are a few examples:

• Lord President of the Council: The Earl Camden (March 26, 1807) - This person was a senior member of the Cabinet, often helping to manage government meetings.
• Lord Privy Seal: The Earl of Westmorland (March 25, 1807) - This role involved approving important documents.
• Master-General of the Ordnance: The Earl of Chatham (April 4, 1807) - This person was in charge of military supplies and weapons.
• Secretaries to the Treasury: These people helped the Chancellor of the Exchequer manage the country's finances.

* Hon. Henry Wellesley (April 1, 1807 – March 21, 1809) * Charles Arbuthnot (April 5, 1809) * William Huskisson (April 1, 1807)

• Postmaster General: These people were in charge of the postal service.

* The Earl of Chichester (1807) * The Earl of Sandwich (1807)

• Lord Lieutenant of Ireland: The Duke of Richmond (April 1807) - This person was the King's representative in Ireland.
• Chief Secretary for Ireland: Hon. Sir Arthur Wellesley (April 1807) - This person helped the Lord Lieutenant manage Ireland.

This government, led by the Duke of Portland, played a key role in British history during a time of major changes and conflicts in Europe.