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.
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