William Windham
(1750-1810), Politician; Secretary at WarRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter associated with 52 portraits
Windham was a follower of Edmund Burke who formed a short-lived 'Third Party', mainly of 'Burkeite' Whigs who were opposed to the Revolution. However, William Pitt soon convinced Windham to switch sides and become Secretary for War (1794-1801) in the Tory Cabinet. Windham became loyal to Pitt, resigning with him over the King's refusal to allow Catholics to sit in Parliament. In 1803, however, rejoining the 'Foxite' Whigs and repairing a long-standing political rift. Following the death of Pitt, Windham was appointed Secretary for War and Colonies in the 'Ministry of All the Talents' (1806). Although controversial, he introduced a plan for improving conditions in the armed forces.
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