Political career of Charles Spencer, Third Earl of Sunderland, 1695-1722

Abstract

This work is the first major study of the political career of Charles Spencer, third Earl of. Sunderland. It covers the period from his entry into the House of Commons in 1695 to his death in 1722. As an M. P. Lord Spencer, as Sunderland was then known, was a committed Whig in his political beliefs, but at the same time his conduct was influenced by the attitudes and example of his father.

The hold that the second Earl of Sunderland had over his son was not strong and Spencer was soon increasingly associated with the leaders of the 'Whig Junto' . In 1702, when he succeeded as third Earl, Sunderland's standing was such that he was eagerly welcomed into the leadership of the Junto. Sunderland was staunch and aggressive in his Whiggery and this, together with his Marlborough family connection, led to his playing a prominent part in helping the Junto renew their political fortunes between 1702 and 1705. The extent of Sunderland's success can be judged by his being sent as a special envoy to Vienna in 1705 and his appointment as Secretary of State the following year. As Secretary Sunderland was determined to prosecute the war against France with vigour but he achieved no outstanding success abroad. At home, however, he played the leading role in helping the Junto to gain control of the administration. The Whig dominated ministry was not built upon strong foundations and within a year it had collapsed despite Sunderland's unceasing industry to maintain its existence. From 1710 to 1714 Sunderland was in opposition yet this did not prevent him doing all he could to safeguard the Protestant Succession. His fierce commitment to the House of Hanover rather disturbed the new monarch and his ministers and as a result Sunderland did not obtain the office he sought under the new dynasty. Sunderland, as a result of his experience in opposition, was a much shrewder and subtle politician and was able to win the confidence of the King, his German courtiers and a number of prominent English politicians. He secured a decisive influence in the government but he was still threatened by powerful and dangerous rivals in the Whig party. It was his attempt to diminish their authority and to establish his own ascendancy which produced the Whig schism in 1717. As Prime Minister from 1717 onwards Sunderland had to establish his government on firm foundations. In this he was largely successful but he was unable to dominate the House of Commons and this failure forced him to come to terms with his Whig opponents.

In 1720 and 1721 the South Sea Bubble and the loss of his leading associates severely undermined his authority and gave his rivals an opportunity to challenge his power. Sunderland, however, recovered and after marshalling his forces it seemed likely that he would have recovered his former influence, but before the outcome of the 1722 election was known he was dead.