Walpole

Robert Walpole dominated early eighteenth century politics to such an extent that he is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Born in 1676 as one of nineteen children, Walpole entered politics at the height of the rivalry between Whigs and Tories. The Tories gained a landslide victory in 1710 and Walpole served in many high-profile posts such as Secretary for War and Chancellor of the Exchequer.