Grenville, George 1712-70
English politician

He practised as a lawyer and became an MP in 1741, rising to Lord of the Admiralty (1744-47), Lord of the Treasury (1747-54) and Treasurer of the Navy (1754-55, 1756-62). He was briefly Secretary of State for the Northern Department (1762-63) and then became Prime Minister (1763-65). During his period in office, John Wilkes was arrested for seditious libel for his attack on the king's speech (1763). The closer supervision of revenue collection (1764-65) and Stamp Act (1765) began to alienate the American colonies from British rule. His tactlessness and clumsy handling of arrangements to cover a possible regency during George III's first serious illness (1765) led to his dismissal by the king, and he remained in opposition for the rest of his life.