born July 21, 1693
died Nov. 17, 1768, London, Eng.
British politician.
He inherited lands from his father and uncle that by 1714 made him one of the wealthiest Whig landowners in England. He helped bring about the succession of George I , for which he received the title of duke (1715). Chosen by Robert Walpole as secretary of state, he served from 1724 to 1754, then succeeded his brother Henry Pelham as prime minister (175456, 175762). Noted for his skill in distributing patronage to secure parliamentary support for a particular ministry, Newcastle wielded great political influence in the reigns of George I and George II .