Carteret, John, 2nd Baron Carteret, 1st Earl Granville
Carteret, John, 2nd Baron Carteret, 1st Earl Granville (1690–1763). Carteret achieved prominence through Baltic diplomacy, 1719–20, and emerged untainted by the South Sea bubble crisis to become secretary of state for the southern department in 1721. Walpole and Townshend's jealousy led to his demotion to the lord-lieutenancy of Ireland in 1724 and dismissal in 1730, whereupon he became a leader of the Whig opposition. Upon Walpole's fall in 1742, Carteret was appointed secretary of state for the northern department. He quickly became George II's favourite minister and developed complex diplomatic schemes to assist Austria, Britain's ally in the War of the Austrian Succession. In the Commons there was outrage at the lack of apparent benefit and cost of Carteret's policies, led by Pitt but abetted by the Pelham brothers; in November 1744 Granville (as he had become) was forced to resign. After some years of semi-retirement, Granville was persuaded by Newcastle in 1751 to become lord president. He acted as an adviser to the king, Pitt, and Newcastle throughout the Seven Years War. Though often ill or inebriated, his opinions were much respected by the cabinet. An accomplished classicist, linguist, and wit, Granville's career was restricted by his laziness and an insufficient regard for the power of the Commons.
Andrew Iain Lewer
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John Carteret 1st Earl Granville
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