Harley ministry
Harley ministry | |
|---|---|
Cabinet of Great Britain | |
| 1710 – 1714 | |
Robert Harley headed the government and has been described as Britain's first Prime Minister. | |
| Date formed | 9 August 1710 |
| Date dissolved | 27 July 1714 |
| People and organisations | |
| Monarch | Anne |
| Chief Minister | Robert Harley |
| Member party | |
| Status in legislature | Majority |
| Opposition party | |
| Opposition leader | |
| History | |
| Elections | 1710 general election 1713 general election |
| Legislature terms | 1710–1713 1713–1715 |
| Predecessor | Godolphin–Marlborough ministry |
| Successor | Townshend ministry |
The Harley (or Oxford–Bolingbroke) ministry was the British government that existed between 1710 and 1714 in the reign of Queen Anne. It was headed by Robert Harley (from 1711, Earl of Oxford) and composed largely of Tories. Harley was a former Whig who had changed sides, bringing down the seemingly powerful Whig Junto and their moderate Tory ally Lord Godolphin. It came during the Rage of Party when divisions between the two factions were at their height, and a "paper war" broke out between their supporters. Amongst those writers supportive of Harley's government were Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, Delarivier Manley, John Arbuthnot and Alexander Pope who clashed with members of the rival Kit-Kat Club. The ministry was formed on 9 August 1710, when Harley was appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and was dissolved upon Harley's dismissal as Lord High Treasurer.