# Spencer Perceval

> 19th-century prime minister of the United Kingdom (1762–1812)

**Wikidata**: [Q233992](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233992)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Perceval)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spencer-perceval

## Summary
Spencer Perceval (1762–1812) was a British lawyer and politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1809 until his assassination in 1812. He is the only British Prime Minister to have been assassinated in office.

## Biography
- Born: November 1, 1762
- Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Education: Trinity College, Cambridge; studied law
- Known for: Serving as the only assassinated British Prime Minister
- Employer(s): British Government (Prime Minister, 1809–1812)
- Field(s): Politics, Law

## Contributions
Spencer Perceval's most significant contribution was his tenure as Prime Minister during the early 19th century, where he led the United Kingdom through critical wartime and economic challenges. His leadership during the Napoleonic Wars and efforts to maintain economic stability amid national debt were central to his political legacy. He also played a key role in shaping wartime policies and maintaining government continuity during periods of political uncertainty.

## FAQs
**What role did Spencer Perceval play in British politics?**  
Spencer Perceval served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1809 to 1812. He was a key figure in the Tory government and focused on maintaining Britain’s wartime economy and national security during the Napoleonic era.

**Where was Spencer Perceval educated?**  
Perceval was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later studied law. He was also associated with Harrow School, a prestigious institution in England.

**How did Spencer Perceval die?**  
Spencer Perceval was assassinated on May 11, 1812, in the lobby of the House of Commons by John Bellingham, a merchant with a personal grievance against the government. His death marked the first and only assassination of a British Prime Minister.

**What was Spencer Perceval’s political legacy?**  
Perceval was known for his strict adherence to fiscal conservatism and his strong support for the war against Napoleon. His death cut short potential long-term impacts on British policy, but his tenure is remembered for its focus on economic prudence and national defense.

## Why They Matter
Spencer Perceval's significance lies in his role as a wartime leader during one of Britain's most turbulent periods. His leadership during the Napoleonic Wars and his efforts to manage national debt demonstrated a commitment to fiscal discipline and conservative governance. His assassination marked a turning point in British political history, highlighting the vulnerability of political leadership and the intense personal and national conflicts of the era. His death also left a gap in the continuity of British leadership during a critical time, influencing the political landscape of the early 19th century.

## Notable For
- Being the only British Prime Minister to be assassinated
- Leadership during the Napoleonic Wars
- Advocacy for economic prudence and fiscal conservatism
- Legal background and role in shaping wartime economic policies
- Strong support for the continuation of the war against Napoleon

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Spencer Perceval was born on November 1, 1762. He pursued his education at Harrow School and later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied law. His early academic and legal training laid the foundation for a career in politics and public service.

### Political Career
Perceval entered Parliament and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the Tory party. He was known for his conservative stance and his dedication to upholding the monarchy and the established order. His political career was marked by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to traditional values.

In 1809, Perceval was appointed Prime Minister, a role in which he served until his death. His tenure was characterized by his efforts to manage Britain's involvement in the Napoleonic Wars and to maintain economic stability during a time of significant national debt.

### Prime Ministership and Assassination
Spencer Perceval became Prime Minister during a period of intense political and economic pressure. His government focused on sustaining the war effort against Napoleon and managing the domestic economy. However, his leadership was cut short when he was assassinated by John Bellingham on May 11, 1812, in the lobby of the House of Commons. Bellingham, motivated by a personal grievance related to his business dealings, ended Perceval’s life and political career abruptly.

### Legacy
Perceval's legacy is defined by his role as a wartime leader and his commitment to conservative governance. His death was a significant event in British political history, marking the end of an era of strong, traditional leadership. His contributions to economic policy and national defense during the Napoleonic period underscore his importance in the political landscape of early 19th-century Britain.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Source
4. The Peerage
5. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13530954)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. GeneaStar
14. [History of Spencer Perceval - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/history/past-prime-ministers/spencer-perceval)
15. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb14574702m)
16. [Oxford Dictionary of National Biography](https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/21916)
17. BBC Things
18. CERL Thesaurus
19. [Source](https://opac.rism.info/search?id=pe14926)