1801 - 1804

Henry Addington (1757-1844) A friend of Pitt's, Addington entered Parliament in 1784. He had made little impact by the time Pitt promoted him as a candidate for the Speakership in 1789, but he was widely praised for his even-handedness and good sense in the office. On Pitt's resignation in 1801 Addington was seen by all parties as as an acceptable alternative. As prime minister and chancellor of the exchequer Addington secured a breathing space in the war with Napoleon - a two year peace - and built up the country's financial and military capacity to resume it; but his chances of consolidating his ministry were ruined by Pitt's attitude of increasing hostility to his old protégé. Addington finally resigned in 1804, reluctantly accepting a peerage, as Viscount Sidmouth.