Sir Charles Hanbury Williams
(1708-1759), Satirical writer and diplomatEarly Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 6 portraits
The son of John Hanbury, a Welsh ironmaster, assumed the name of Williams on succeeding to the estate of his godfather Charles Williams, in 1720. He entered Parliament as an MP in 1735 where he became a member of Robert Walpole's circle. Williams remained faithful to Walpole, his friend Henry Fox, and the Whigs throughout his career. Although he spoke little in parliament, he advanced his party's cause as a writer of satire. He became a prolific satiric poet, often attacking members of the Whig opposition. In 1739 Williams supported the establishment of the Foundling Hospital and served as one of its founding governors. He served as British ambassador in Dresden and Berlin.
Tell us more back to top
Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.
If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.
Please note that we cannot provide valuations.
We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.
Listen
Pioneer Podcasts
Listen to a series of podcasts exploring the lives of pioneering women, past and present.
Eggleston Playlist
William Eggleston was closely associated with the alternative music scene in Memphis. Revisit our 2016 exhibition and listen to a special playlist.
Archive interviews
Links to audio and transcripts of interviews with artists, sitters and historic recordings.