ABSTRACT

The fall of the first Rockingham ministry in July, 1766, brings to an end a well-defined period in the constitutional struggle of George III.’s reign. It was left for George III to undertake the task of avenging his grandfather, and to recover for the crown the authority of which it had been deprived. William Cavendish, fourth Duke of Devonshire, and Philip Yorke, first Earl of Hardwicke, had both played for many years a leading part in the world of politics, and it was no slight blow to George III. Temple arrived in London on the evening of Monday, July 14th, knowing nothing of what had passed, save that a negotiation for a new administration was proceeding, and that his services were required. Chatham had resolved to destroy the party system, and they were determined to maintain it. The issue of such a struggle could not fail to have important consequences upon the development of the constitution.