Sunderland, Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of 1641-1702
English statesman

Born in Paris, France, he was the son of Henry Spencer, 3rd Baron Spencer, and father of Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. He was made Secretary of State to Charles II in 1679 and negotiated a secret treaty whereby England would become subservient to France and, in return, Charles would receive an annual pension. The treaty was annulled and Sunderland drew the King's attention to a possible union with Spain. Although he was dismissed as Secretary of State in 1681 for voting to exclude James (James VII and II) from the succession, he was reinstated in 1683 and became chief minister under James (1685) and a Catholic (1688). On William III's accession he fled to Europe, but after renouncing his Catholicism he was allowed to return in 1691, and was Lord Chancellor for a brief period in 1697.