Earl Grey


Earl Grey was the Prime Minister of the Whig government that would help usher in a more democratic century. It was his government that pushed for the Great Reform Act which started the expansion of the franchise and would begin to make Parliament far more representative. The battle to pass the act was a tumultuous one and Earl Grey had to resign and had to ask the King to stuff the Lords with Whig sympathisers so that the will of the Commons could be accomplished.

Earl Grey was a reforming PM in other ways too. He introduced restrictions on child labour and was the Prime Minister who finally abolished the Slave Trade throughout the British Empire. As if that was not impressive enough, he also was responsible for the creation of Earl Grey tea when he received a present of tea with Bergamot oil. He liked it so much, he asked if the London tea merchants could recreate the distinctive flavour.


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by Stephen Luscombe