[Born 1708. Died at Hayes, in Kent, 1778. Aged 70.]
A grand Minister, an idol in the memory of the nation, but failing in
some of the elements of true greatness, for he was haughty, overbearing,
inconsistent, insolent, obstinate, and petty. The statesman who would
never be seen on business, except in a full dress coat and tie wig--who
never allowed the highest considerations to interfere with his constant
study of effect--who, in opposition, anathematized men for attempting
that which he himself, in power, was the very first to carry out--who
never suffered his under secretaries to sit in his presence--who never
blushed at the most barefaced and vehement self-contradiction, can
hardly be ranked with the very highest characters that adorn the pages
of History. Yet he was superb withal, and potent in his influence upon
the age in which he lived. He had tremendous earnestness; his thoughts
blazed in his mind, and were communicated in burning words to his
listeners. He had the faculty of uttering great truths, in language that
carried not only conviction to every understanding, but enthusiasm to
every soul. He had a noble person--an eye like an eagle’s--a voice of
thunder. His oratory was splendid, and his speeches maintained some of
their power when transferred to paper. He was always terrific. He began
his career as a Cornet in the Blues, and entering Parliament as member
for Old Sarum, in 1735, he so astonished Sir Robert Walpole by the
violence of his assault, that the astute Minister was fain to intreat
some one “to muzzle that terrible Cornet of horse.” The great glory of
Chatham, as Minister, consists in the war policy which he advocated and
upheld to the great advantage and pre-eminence of his country. In spite
of all his errors he was adored by the people. He could feel and act
with true nobility, and the multitude were touched by the lofty
sentiments by which he was himself animated. Almost his whole fortune
consisted of private benefactions. The Duchess of Marlborough left him
£10,000, and Sir William Pynsent bequeathed him £3000 a year, and
£30,000 in ready money. He opposed the war with America, but with his
latest breath denied the right of the colony to independence. Whatever
he did, he was still the most popular man in England. Proud and
domineering as he was in public, his private character, as Lord
Chesterfield declared, “was stained by no vices, and sullied by no
meannesses.” In his own household, by his children and dependents, he
was beloved for his gentle kindness. The statue before the visitor is
highly characteristic of the man. “Graven by a cunning hand,” says
Macaulay, “it seems still with eager face and outstretched arm, to bid
England be of good cheer, and to hurl defiance at her foes.”
[The original model of the statue by J. Bacon, R.A., in Westminster
Abbey. It will be found at the South end of the Nave.]