Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington

Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington (c. 1673[1] – 2 July 1743) was a British Whig statesman who served continuously in government from 1715 until his death. He served as the Prime Minister from 1742 until his death in 1743. He is considered to have been Britain's second Prime Minister, after Sir Robert Walpole, although he was largely a figurehead, with real power exercised by the Secretary of State, Lord Carteret.

In 1707 he became Paymaster of Pensions, a post that he retained for the next six years despite leaving Parliament in 1710 when he disagreed with his patron Lord Cornwallis and the taking of office by a Tory government in that year. It is believed that the Tories retained him as they sought to maintain the support of the Compton family. In 1713 Compton re-entered Parliament for East Grinstead and when the Whigs took power in 1715 he was hopeful that he would enter a high office.

In January 1742 he succeeded Walpole as First Lord of the Treasury and head of the Carteret Ministry. Wilmington was a forceful Prime Minister, and grew notorious amongst his cabinet for taking measures without reaching consensus. His strong work ethic took its toll, and his health gradually deteriorated. Even in poor health, he controlled his ministers strictly, making sure they put through the reforms he planned.[3] He remained in office until his death, when he was succeeded by the Paymaster of the Forces, Henry Pelham. He died unmarried and without issue, and therefore all his titles became extinct upon his death.

Wilmington was buried at his family seat of Compton Wynyates in Warwickshire.