Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth
Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth, PC (30 May 1757–15 February 1844) was a British statesman. He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1804.
The Rt Hon Henry Addington | |
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Prime Minister of the United Kingdom | |
In office 17 March 1801 – 10 May 1804 | |
Preceded by | William Pitt the Younger |
Succeeded by | William Pitt the Younger |
Chancellor of the Exchequer | |
In office 17 March 1801 – 10 May 1804 | |
Preceded by | William Pitt the Younger |
Succeeded by | William Pitt the Younger |
Personal details | |
Born | Holborn, London | 30 January 1757
Died | 15 February 1844 Richmond, Surrey | (aged 87)
Political party | Tory |
His father was a physician specialising in the treatment of mental illness. His father was one of George III's doctors and this resulted in Addington being known (in no friendly spirit) as "The Doctor". Before becoming Prime Minister he had been Speaker of the House of Commons.
He tried but failed to negotiate a lasting peace with Napoleon's France.
He was not well regarded as Prime Minister and his capabilities were summed up in the rhyme: "Pitt is to Addington as London is to Paddington". As Viscount Sidmouth, he was a very reactionary Home Secretary in the Government of the Earl of Liverpool but he was eventually persuaded to retire in favour of Sir Robert Peel.