Henry Addington

Full Name: 1st Viscount Sidmouth
Profession: British Prime Minister

Nationality:

Biography: The son of a physician, Henry Addington's rise in political life after becoming an MP in 1789 was aided by his childhood friendship with William Pitt the younger.

Addington became Prime Minister in 1801 after Pitt's resignation over the issue of Catholic emancipation. In 1802 he signed the Peace of Amiens, ending an expensive war with France. In the same year he made the first ever budget speech to parliament. Pitt's opposition to his government and the resumption of war led to Addington's resignation in 1804.

In 1812 Adding became Home Secretary in Pitt's second government and served in this office for 12 years. He gained a reputation for being reactionary and repressive during a troubled period. In 1817 he had Habeas Corpus Act suspended and in 1819 introduced 4 of the Six Acts, designed to limit public protest.

Born: May 30, 1757
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: February 15, 1844 (aged 86)