Attributed to John Singleton Copley

(Boston 1737-1815 London)

Portrait of Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth, half-length,

Footnotes

Provenance
In the present owner's family, UK, for at least 10 years

A childhood friend of William Pitt the Younger, to whom his father was physician, Addington entered politics as M.P. for Devizes in 1784 and became Speaker of the House of Commons in 1789. When Pitt resigned from office in 1801 both he and the King insisted that Addington take over as Prime Minister, which he did somewhat reluctantly. His administration is best remembered for managing to secure the Peace of Amiens with Napoleon in 1803, but without allies at this time, Britain's options were limited to defence. Addington did increase the forces, provide a tax base that could finance an enlarged war, and seize several French possessions. Also, to gain allies, he cultivated better relations with Russia, Austria, and Prussia, later culminating in the Third Coalition shortly after he left office. Addington also strengthened British defences against a French invasion through the building of Martello towers on the south coast and the raising of more than 600,000 men at arms. Without a strong enough hold on both houses of parliament he was forced from office in March 1804. He nonetheless continued to hold various offices of state thereafter, which included Lord President of the Council 1805 and Home Secretary 1812-1822. In 1802 Addington had accepted the honorary position of Vice-President for life on the Court of Governors of London's Foundling Hospital for abandoned babies.