Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, KG KB PC, known before 1742 as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British statesman who is generally regarded as the de facto first Prime Minister of Great Britain. Although the exact dates of his dominance are a matter of scholarly debate, 1721–42 are often used. He dominated the Walpole–Townshend Ministry and the Walpole Ministry and holds the record as the longest serving Prime Minister in British history. Critics called his system the "Robinocracy." Speck...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionStatesman
Date of Birth26 August 1676
I took the right sow by the ear.
No expense has been incurred but what has been approved of and provided for by Parliament.
Though I admire republican principles in theory, yet I am afraid the practice may be too perfect for human nature. We tried a republic last century, and it failed. Let our enemies try next. I hate political experiments.
I have lived long enough in the world, Sir, . . . to know that the safety of a minister lies in his having the approbation of this House. Former ministers, Sir, neglected this, and therefore they fell; I have always made it my first study to obtain it...
All history is a lie!
Oh, do not read history, for that I know must be false.
Every man has his price.
It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.