Note 58 — Chapter VI
Reading edition
On the death of the Earl of Spencer, father of the well-known Lord Althorp, in 1834, His Lordship succeeded to the Earldom. When Lord Melbourne went to Brighton to receive the king’s commands as to the appointment of a new Chancellor of the Exchequer, His Majesty informed the Minister that, under the circumstances, he considered the administration at an end. This announcement created great surprise and excitement in the political circles and throughout the nation. The Duke of Wellington being sent for, His Grace advised the King to appoint Sir Robert Peel premier, and this was done accordingly.—Haydn’s Book of Dignitaries. The Earl Spencer, whose death is above referred to, died on the 10th of November. The Duke of Wellington held several offices until the return of Sir Robert Peel to England, at the latter end of December. His ministry only lasted until the end of March, 1835.