Henry Addington

Date of Birth: May 30, 1757

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 15, 1844

Biography

Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth, was a prominent British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1804. Born into a well-connected family, Addington received an excellent education, attending Winchester College and later Brasenose College, Oxford. He initially pursued a career in law before entering politics. Addington’s political career began in earnest when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Devizes in 1784. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Tory party and became a trusted ally of Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. When Pitt resigned in 1801 due to disagreements over Catholic emancipation, King George III appointed Addington as his successor. As Prime Minister, Addington faced significant challenges, including the ongoing Napoleonic Wars and domestic unrest. Despite criticism, he managed to negotiate the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, which temporarily halted hostilities with France. However, his administration struggled with economic issues and was often overshadowed by Pitt’s legacy. In 1804, Addington resigned in favor of Pitt, who returned to office. After stepping down as Prime Minister, Addington continued to play an important role in British politics. He served as Home Secretary from 1812 to 1822, where he implemented significant measures to maintain public order during a period of social and economic upheaval. Addington was elevated to the peerage as Viscount Sidmouth in 1805, cementing his status as a key figure in the British aristocracy.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Addington

1. Henry Addington was a close friend and ally of William Pitt the Younger, whom he succeeded as Prime Minister.

2. As Prime Minister, he negotiated the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, which brought a brief period of peace between Britain and France.

3. Addington was known for his opposition to Catholic emancipation, a stance that led to his resignation as Prime Minister.

4. He played a crucial role in suppressing the Luddite riots during his tenure as Home Secretary.

5. Addington was created Viscount Sidmouth in 1805, a title that remains in his family to this day.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Addington

1. “Measures must always be adapted to the situation of the times.”

2. “A firm and temperate conduct on the part of the government will always ensure the support of the people.”

3. “The preservation of peace is the first duty of every statesman.”

4. “It is not the power of the government, but the justice of the cause, that makes the people obey.”

5. “In times of trouble and danger, the government must be both firm and cautious.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While historical records do not provide clear figures on Henry Addington’s net worth, as a prominent statesman and member of the aristocracy, he would have had substantial wealth, primarily through land ownership and his political career.

Children

Henry Addington and his wife, Ursula Mary Hammond, had six children. Their eldest son, William Leonard Addington, succeeded him as the 2nd Viscount Sidmouth.