Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisiton Note
Processing History
Biography
Scope and Contents
Arrangement
Indexing terms
Title: Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington Papers
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1717-1727
Date (inclusive): 1713-1732
Collection number: MS.1973.004
Creator:
Compton, Spencer, Earl of Wilmington, 1673?-1743
Contributing Institution:
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
Abstract: Accounts, inventories, and receipts of George II and Spencer Compton.
Physical Location: Clark Library
Extent:
0.4 Linear feet
(1 box)
Language of Materials: Collection materials in English
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
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.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington Papers, MS.1973.004, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library,
University of California, Los Angeles.
Acquisiton Note
Purchase, Winifred Myers, 1973.
Processing History
This collection was previously physically processed and cataloged at the collection level. The collection was reprocessed
and described by Rebecca Ruud in 2012.
Biography
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.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains the household accounts and inventories of George II, while he was Prince of Wales. These accounts,
drawn up by his Treasurer Spencer Compton, earl of Wilmington, contain records from 1714-1727. This collection also contains
Spencer Compton's personal papers, household accounts, and the accounts to Spencer by Richard Andrew and Edward Godfrey.
Arrangement
This collection contains two series. One includes accounts, reports, and inventories relating to the Prince of Wales from
1713-1727. The other series is made up of Spencer Compton, earl of Wilmington's papers.
Indexing terms
George II, King of Great Britain, 1683-1760 -- Archives
Accounts--England--18th century
Inventories--England--18th century
Receipts (financial records)--England--18th century