William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth

William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth (20 June 1731 – 15 July 1801) was a prominent British nobleman and politician during the 18th century. He is best known for his role in the administration of the American Colonies and his sympathies towards the American cause in the period leading up to the American Revolutionary War.

Early Life

William Legge was born into the influential Legge family, the son of George Legge, 1st Earl of Dartmouth, and his wife, Elizabeth Kaye. The Legge family had a long history of service to the British crown, and William was to continue this tradition. He was educated at Westminster School and later at Trinity College, Oxford, where he developed an interest in politics and the governance of the American colonies.

Political Career

Legge's political career began when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bedford in 1754. He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled politician and was appointed as the Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1772. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing British interests in the American colonies at a time of increasing unrest and demands for independence.

Despite his position, Dartmouth was known for his conciliatory approach towards the American colonies. He advocated for peaceful solutions and was critical of the harsh measures imposed by his contemporaries, such as the Intolerable Acts. His efforts, however, were ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the escalation of tensions that led to the American Revolutionary War.

Later Life and Legacy

After his tenure as Secretary of State for the Colonies, Dartmouth continued to serve in various other governmental roles, including Lord Privy Seal. He remained an influential figure in British politics until his death in 1801.

Dartmouth's legacy is a complex one. On one hand, he is remembered for his attempts to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts between Britain and the American colonies. On the other hand, his tenure is also marked by the failure to prevent the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. The Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA, founded in 1769, was named in his honor, reflecting his support for education and the American colonies.

Titles and Honours

Throughout his life, William Legge held several titles and honours, including:

• Earl of Dartmouth
• Viscount Lewisham
• Secretary of State for the Colonies
• Lord Privy Seal

Death

William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth, died on 15 July 1801. His contributions to British politics and his efforts to bridge the gap between the American colonies and the British crown are an important part of his enduring legacy.