Background
Spencer Compton, earl of Wilmington (1673?-1743) worked from 1715-1727 as the Prince of Wales' Treasurer. In 1713 Compton
joined Parliament as a member from East Grinstead. In 1715 he was unanimously voted Speaker and remained in that position
until 1727. In 1716 he joined the Privy council, was Paymaster General from 1722-1730, and was titled Knight of the Bath in
1725. When the Prince of Wales took the throne as George II, Compton was encouraged to become the Prime Minister. However,
he declined and Walpole took the position. On January 11, 1728, as a concession, George II titled Compton the Baron Wilmington.
He was further made Lord Privy Seal, Lord President of the Council, Knight of the Garter, and the First Lord of the Treasury.
In 1742 he claimed the position of Prime Minister, but held the title only in name. In 1742, he was again named Speaker of
the House. Compton died on July 1743.
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, UCLA. All requests for permission to publish
or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Clark Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf
of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, UCLA as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.