Ladies of Quality & Distinction is our series about powerful & influential women in British politics. This series will be exclusively for our Patrons.

Before Robert Walpole, there was Sarah Churchill. Escape artist extraordinaire, controversial figure, possible lover of Queen Anne... Sarah was up to her proverbial elbows in the mucky politics of the late 1700s. Listen in to find out just everyone who ever met her fell into deep love (or deep hatred) with her.

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The Bigger Brother, also known as Hubble-Bubble!

Two episodes for examining Thomas Pelham, Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Marquess of Clare, Earl of Clare, Viscount Haughton, Baron Pelham of Laughton, Baron Pelham of Stanmer, the brother of Henry Pelham; and for connected purposes.

Our first episode covers his early life, partnership with his brother, and first Premiership. The second covers his later life, second Premiership, and our review of him.

Sources
A Whig in Power - John W. Wilkes (1964)
Newcastle: A Duke Without Money - Ray A. Kelch (1974)
The Duke of Newcastle, 1693-1768, and Henry Pelham, 1694-1754 - Kulisheck, P. J. (1997)
The Prime Ministers - Iain Dale (2020)
Gimson's Prime Ministers - Andrew Gimson (2018)

It's Bath time! But for how long?

​An episode for examining William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath, one of the two most insignificant fellows in England, and for connected purposes.

Sources
A Whig in Power John W. Wilkes (1964)

​Thanks
Totalus Rankium for the use of ‘Sweet and Honourable’

A little brother with big ambitions

Two episodes for examining the Hon. Henry Pelham, Walpole’s protégé; and for connected purposes. In the first episode, we go over his background and early days in politics.​ In the second, we talk about his time at the top, and pass judgement on his performance.

Sources
A Whig in Power John W. Wilkes (1964)
The Prime Ministers Iain Dale (2020)
Gimson's Prime Ministers Andrew Gimson (2018)
https://history.blog.gov.uk/2014/12/17/henry-pelham-whig-1743-1754/
https://www.pdavis.nl/NDA.htm
https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/relationships/overview/lawofmarriage-/

A look at the history and development of Parliament over the centuries

In this episode, we take a look at the history of Parliament and the huge changes and developments over the centuries to get from the Anglo-Saxon witans to our 21st Century legislature.​

Robert Walpole's successor with big shoes to fill

An episode for examining Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington, the favourite nonentity of George II, and for connected purposes.

Errata
Lord Wilmington was later given an additional 0.5 points for Practice, as he was First Lord of the Treasury.

Sources
The Prime Ministers Iain Dale (2020)
Gimson's Prime Ministers Andrew Gimson (2018)
https://artandthecountryhouse.com/catalogues/catalogues-index/spencer-compton-1st-earl-of-wilmington-16731743
http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1715-1754/member/compton-hon-spencer-1674-1743
https://www.theinfolist.com/php/SummaryGet.php?FindGo=Spencer_Compton,_1st_Earl_Of_Wilmington
https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1690-1715/member/compton-hon-spencer-1674-1743

Thanks
Totalus Rankium for the use of ‘Sweet and Honourable’

Britain's first Prime Minister

An episode exploring the rise and fall of Robert Walpole, Britain’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister, and for connected purposes.

Errata
We said that the Theatre censorship act was repealed in 1976, but it was actually repealed in 1968 - the point still stands that it lasted for over 200 years from 1737.
​
Sources
Walpole in Power Jeremy Black (2001)
The Great Man Edward Pearce (2007)
The Prime Ministers Iain Dale (2020)
Gimson's Prime Ministers Andrew Gimson (2018)
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/awards-and-accreditation/content/100022
https://www.gov.uk/government/history/past-prime-ministers/robert-walpole
https://www.artwarefineart.com/archive/gallery/portrait-robert-walpole-1st-earl-orford-1676-1745-prime-minister
https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/sir-robert-walpole-britains-first-prime-minister/

The origins of politics and the role of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Starting with the 7th Century Saxons and ending with the Glorious Revolution of 1688, this episode is a quick primer on the pre-history of British politics.