Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Spencer Perceval

Role / Field:

British Prime Minister, assassinated in 1812; only to hold office after being shot.

Born:

1762-11-01

Died:

1812-05-11

Century / Era:

1762s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Spencer Perceval (1 November 1762 – 11 May 1812) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from October 1809 until his assassination in May 1812. He is the only British prime minister to have been assassinated, and the only solicitor-general or attorney-general to have become prime minister. The younger son of The Earl of Egmont, an Anglo-Irish earl, Perceval was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He studied law at Lincoln's Inn, practised as a barrister on the Midland circuit, and in 1796 became a King's Counsel.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He entered politics at age 33 as a member of Parliament (MP) for Northampton. A follower of William Pitt the Younger, Perceval always described himself as a "friend of Mr. Pitt", rather than a Tory. He was opposed to Catholic emancipation and reform of Parliament; he supported the war against Napoleon and the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. After a late entry into politics, his rise to power was rapid; he was appointed as Solicitor General and then Attorney General for England and Wales in the Addington ministry, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons in the second Portland ministry, and then became prime minister in 1809...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Elizabeth of Russia — Contemporary (Died in 1762) (1762): Empress of Russia, known for her construction and opposition to Prussia.
• George IV — Contemporary (Born in 1762) (1762): British monarch known for the extravagant Regency lifestyle and patronage of the arts.
• Gia Long — Contemporary (Born in 1762) (1762): Founding Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty, unifying Vietnam's last imperial era.
• Alexander Herzen — Contemporary (Born in 1812) (1812): Pioneering Russian socialist thinker and writer, precursor to agrarian populism.
• Charles Dickens — Contemporary (Born in 1812) (1812): Master of Victorian literature, Dickens's novels captured the spirit of his age.
• Charles Lewis Tiffany — Contemporary (Born in 1812) (1812): Pioneering American jeweler who founded Tiffany & Co., known for exquisite artistry.
• Aaron Beck — Shared historical date (11-01 · Died) (2021): Father of Cognitive Therapy and CBT, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment.
• Abdallah ibn al-Mu'tazz — Shared historical date (11-01 · Born) (861): Abbasid prince, renowned poet, and author of early Arabic literary theory.
• Alaungpaya — Shared historical date (05-11 · Died) (1760): Founder of the Konbaung Dynasty, unifying Burma through military prowess.
• Albion Woodbury Small — Shared historical date (05-11 · Born) (1854): Pioneering American sociologist who established the first independent department of sociology in the US.
• 1762 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1762
• November 1 (11-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 1
• 1812 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1812
• May 11 (05-11) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 11

Frequently Asked Questions about Spencer Perceval