Spencer Walpole

Sir Spencer Walpole KCB FBA (6 February 1839 – 7 July 1907) was an English historian and civil servant.

Background

Spencer Walpole was born on 6 February 1839. He belonged to the younger branch of the de facto first prime minister of Great Britain, Robert Walpole, who revived the Whig Party. Walpole was a direct patrilineal descendant of one of Robert Walpole's brothers, the 1st Baron Walpole of Wolterton. His father was Spencer Horatio Walpole (1807–1898), who served three times as Home Secretary under the 14th Earl of Derby. His mother was a descendant of Spencer Perceval, the Tory prime minister, making Walpole a grandson of Perceval. His familial background connected him to the main political parties of his time, notably the Liberal and Conservative parties, which were forming during his lifetime.

Career

Spencer Walpole was educated at Eton College. From 1858 to 1867, he worked as a clerk in the War Office. Subsequently, he became an inspector of fisheries. In 1867, he married Marion Jane Murray; together, they had one son and one daughter. In 1882, Walpole was appointed lieutenant-governor of the Isle of Man. Later, from 1893 to 1899, he served as the secretary to the Post Office. He was knighted in 1898.

As a public servant, Walpole was recognized for his efficiency. Besides his civil service career, he was also a historian. His familial and personal background provided him with a natural affinity for the study of public affairs. His scholarly work often reflected a balanced view of English political figures, influenced by the mix of Whig and Tory policies prominent in his family's history and his personal perspective. Although he was associated with the moderate Liberal side, his writings maintained an analytical and judicious tone.

Walpole’s principal scholarly work is the "History of England from 1815," published in six volumes between 1878 and 1886. This history was carried down to the year 1858. He extended his historical narration with "History of Twenty-Five Years," published in four volumes in 1904, which covered the period from 1856 to 1880. Among his other notable publications are biographies of Spencer Perceval (1894) and Lord John Russell (1889), as well as "Studies in Biography" (1906).

Legacy

Walpole's name is commemorated in Walpole Park in Ealing, which was established on the grounds of his family estate, Pitzhanger Manor. Both the park and the estate were purchased by Ealing Council in 1899.

Bibliography

- Walpole, Spencer. "A History of England from the Conclusion of the Great War in 1815." 6 volumes, Longmans, Green, and Company, 1878–1886. [Available online] (WorldCat library holdings number 434).

- Walpole, Spencer. "History of Twenty-Five Years." 4 volumes, 1904–1908, covering the years 1856–1880. [Available online] (WorldCat library holdings number 228).