PRIME LOCATIONS

These days the British Prime Minister (PM) is an almost presidential figure. Yet in the 18th century, the king or queen was sovereign and being PM was something of an insult.

That all changed in 1721 when Robert Walpole, the new First Lord of the Treasury, became so important that the German-speaking King George I clearly relied on him. Walpole rebuffed those who accused him of being the “prime” minister, yet within a generation the concept had become a fact.

Prime Ministers have tended to live well and many of their homes are now open to the public, providing a fascinating insight into how British politics has changed over the years.

Robert Walpole

Houghton Hall, Norfolk

Sir Robert Walpole was a Whig politician and de facto Prime Minister for Kings George I and II. He was also a member of Parliament (MP) who championed peace, moderation and religious tolerance, while lowering taxes and increasing exports. Walpole’s