Public calls for political reform led to one of the most shocking events of his tenure: the Peterloo Massacre , when an estimated 18 protestors were killed by private militia in Manchester.
Pitt the Younger more than deserved his moniker: he was a mere 24 years of age when he first became Prime Minister in He served two separate terms, and has the dubious merit of being the British leader who first introduced income tax to the nation — a much needed revenue injection following costly conflicts like the American War of Independence.
It was during his premiership that the Acts of Union came into force, uniting the Kingdom of Great Britain with the Kingdom of Ireland. Pitt also played an integral role in bringing Britain into a fresh European alliance against Napoleon, but the stresses of power took their toll — he died aged just 46, during his second term as Prime Minister. Read more about: Battles Napoleon: flawed hero or power-mad tyrant? The man who shaped the office of Prime Minister remains the person who served in that role the longest.
Sir Robert Walpole began his premiership in , and carried on for almost 21 years. Walpole himself famously said 'I unequivocally deny that I am sole and prime minister'. However, Walpole was undoubtedly a pioneeringly powerful figure, cultivating close relations with the new Hanoverian monarchy.
An important part of his legacy is 10 Downing Street — he was offered the house as a private residence by George II, but insisted it being given to those who serve as the First Lord of the Treasury. Which, for quite some time now, means the Prime Minister. The seven longest-serving British Prime Ministers. Most Recent. Lesser known facts about The Battle of the Somme.
A history of the poppy: Why we wear them as a symbol of remembrance and other facts. Unlucky A witches' brew of facts about the European 'witch craze'.
A discovery of witches: British witch trials in the 17th century. Castro vs Batista: the rebellion which changed the world Battles. UK We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies. Hide this message. Contents Responsibilities Current role holder Previous holders Announcements.
As leader of the UK government the Prime Minister also: oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies chooses members of the government is the principal government figure in the House of Commons As Minister for the Union , the Prime Minister works to ensure that all of government is acting on behalf of the entire United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
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