Henry Goulburn 1784-1856: A Political Biography - Softcover

Jenkins, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0853236518 ISBN 13: 9780853236511

Publisher: Liverpool University Press, 1996

Synopsis

In the early-19th century, Henry Goulburn was at the centre of far-reaching political and economic developments in Britain, during a long and successful career which is traced in this biography. Between 1812 and 1821 he worked in the War and Colonial Office, where he effectively administered Britain's far-flung possessions. He was then appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland - a Protestant to offset a "Catholic" viceroy. As Chancellor of the Exchequer for the Duke of Wellington (1828-30) and Sir Robert Peel (1841-46) he participated in momentous decisions such as Catholic emancipation and the repeal of the Corn Laws. An opponent of parliamentary reform, he worked closely with Peel to build the Conservative Party, and served as parliamentary champion of the Established Church. The book examines the conservative values Goulburn held and the moral dilemma of an essentially good man who depended on slavery for his private income. Modest and loyal, he admitted that he had been content to walk in the shadow of political giants, and this self-effacement helps to account for the lack of wide recognition given to him, but does not detract from his significant contribution to British history.

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Review

"Makes an important contribution to understanding British politics, administration, and personalities in the early nineteenth century. Jenkins demonstrates the conflicting pressures on Goulburn of the desire for stability and continuity and the necessity for change. He also provides an interesting perspective on such leading Tory/Conservative figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel." Neville Thompson, Department of History, University of Western Ontario.

About the Author

CA

Edition details

• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0853236518
• ISBN 13: 9780853236511
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 456