ABSTRACT
In the spring of 1697 Portland decided to retire from public office. Upon the King’s request he refrained from doing so, but in June 1699 the favourite laid down all his offices and retired to his country house. The reasons for his retirement are still unclear, as little is known about his motivation or the precise circumstances. Most historians have argued that Portland’s decision to retire was the result of a conflict with William over his rival favourite Arnold Joost Keppel, Earl of Albemarle. According to most literature, Keppel slowly but surely pushed Portland away after 1694 until the latter’s final fall from favour in 1699. 1 In this chapter it will be argued, however, that Portland’s retirement should be regarded against the background of structural changes in English politics. When the Nine Years War ended, opposition against the standing army and the Irish forfeitures mounted, whereas weak ministries failed to provide stable government. 2 William was forced to find an alternative for the crumbling Whig ministry with which Portland was connected. The combination of these factors gradually eroded Portland’s influence and political relevance.
