Full Name: George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen
Profession: British Prime Minister
Biography: George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th earl of Aberdeen was British Prime Minister for just 3 years 1852-55, before this he served as diplomat and in various ministerial posts.
Born in Scotland he inherited the Earldom from his grandfather in 1801. He became a significant figure in central European diplomacy after his appointment as Special Ambassador to Austria in 1813. In 1814 he signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Napoleonic wars, on behalf of the King.
He later served in the government of the Duke of Wellington as Foreign Secretary (1828-1830), and became a Peelite, serving again as Foreign Secretary (1841-46).
In 1852 Aberdeen formed a coalition government of Peelites. However Aberdeen was unable to avoid conflict with Russia and war was declared in 1854. Public attitude towards the resulting Crimean War led to Aberdeen's resignation.
Born: January 28, 1784
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Aquarius
Died: December 14, 1860 (aged 76)
Historical Events
- 1852-12-18 George Hamilton-Gordon (Peelite party) becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after the downfall of the Conservative government of Edward Smith-Stanley
Biographies and Sources
- Past Prime Ministers - Gov.uk
Bonar Law
Charles Watson-Wentworth
Clement Attlee
Liz Truss
Robert Walpole
Thomas Pelham-Holles