Walpole, Robert (1676–1745)

British Whig politician, the first ‘prime minister’. As First Lord of the Treasury and chancellor of the Exchequer (1715–17 and 1721–42) he encouraged trade and tried to avoid foreign disputes (until forced into the War of Jenkins' Ear with Spain in 1739).

Opponents thought his foreign policies worked to the advantage of France. He held favour with George I and George II, struggling against Jacobite intrigues, and received an earldom when he eventually retired in 1742.