Spencer Perceval — Struck Down in His Prime

Abstract

Spencer Perceval has gone down in history as one of the least known of nineteenth century Prime Ministers, being remembered — if at all — as the only one to have been assassinated. Otherwise, he has been noted for his fervent evangelical Christianity and for being one of very few practising lawyers to have made it to 10 Downing Street. Yet, he had an unusual political career, and — after a tentative beginning — was at the height of his powers when he was killed in 1812. Had he lived, he might well have served for a lengthy term, perhaps for much of the 15 years that his successor, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, was to occupy the post.