Fox, Charles James 1749-1806
English politician

Born in London, he was the third son of the 1st Lord Holland. Educated at Eton and Hertford College, Oxford, he became the MP for Midhurst at the age of 19. He later became a supporter of Lord North, and a Lord of the Admiralty. In 1772 he resigned, but the next year was named a commissioner of the Treasury. North dismissed him in 1775 after a quarrel. During the American War Fox was the most formidable opponent of the coercive measures of government. After the downfall of North (1782), he was a Secretary of State. In 1783 the North and Fox coalition was formed, and Fox resumed his former office, but the rejection of his India Bill by the Lords led to the resignation of his government. When William Pitt, the Younger, came to power, the long contest between him and Fox began. The regency, the trial of Warren Hastings and the French Revolution afforded scope to his talents, and he employed his influence to modify and counteract the policy of his rival. He was a strenuous opponent of the war with France, and an advocate of non-intervention. After Pitt's death in 1806, Fox, recalled to office, set into motion negotiations for a peace with France. He was on the point of introducing a bill for the abolition of the slave trade when he died. Although Fox was addicted to gambling and drinking, Edmund Burke called him 'the greatest debater the world ever saw'. He was buried, near Pitt, in Westminster Abbey, London.

Bibliography: John W Derry, Charles James Fox (1972)