Past Prime Ministers
NicknameEarl Grey
Born 13 March 1764, Falloden, Northumberland
Died 17 July 1845, Howick Hall, Howick, Northumberland
Dates in office 22 November 1830 - 16 July 1834
Political party Whig
Major acts
Reform Act 1832 - reformed the electoral system
Slavery abolition Act 1833 - abolished slavery throughout the British Empire
Interesting facts
Earl Grey tea is named after him
Charles Grey 2nd Earl Grey
1830 - 1834
“The only way with newspaper attacks is, as the Irish say, ‘to keep never minding’. This has been my practice through life.”
A firmly Whig politician, Earl Grey oversaw four years of political reform that had enormous impact on the development of democracy in Britain.
Earl Grey’s political experience before becoming the Prime Minister was limited.
He first took office briefly under Grenville in 1806, but it was nearly a quarter of a century before he returned to office as PM.
Earl Grey’s most remarkable achievement was the Reform Act of 1832, which set in train a gradual process of electoral change.
Indeed, it sowed the seeds of the system we recognise today.
Around 130 years of parliamentary reform began with this act and culminated in universal suffrage for men and women over 18, secret ballots and legitimate constituencies.
The battle to pass the historic act was a difficult one.
Grey resigned after the Lords rejected it, although he returned to office when Wellington found himself unable to form an administration.
Wellington then consented, and Grey was able to push the bill through.
Other reforming measures included restrictions on the employment of children, and the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833.
Best-known for tea
One of Grey’s other legacies is the blend of tea known as Earl Grey. He reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic present, of tea that was flavored with bergamot oil.
It became so popular that Grey asked British tea merchants to recreate it.
After resigning in 1834, Grey did not linger in politics. He was greatly attached to his family, and he retired from the limelight to spend his remaining years with them.
He was said to be ‘tall, slim and strikingly handsome’ although in later years he went bald and wore spectacles.