Spencer Perceval Brown Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Spencer Perceval, born in 1762, holds the unfortunate distinction of being the only British Prime Minister ever assassinated while in office. Serving as Prime Minister from 1809 until his untimely death in 1812, Perceval lived at 59-60 Lincoln’s Inn Fields in the Borough of Camden, London, where this plaque was erected in 1914 to commemorate his life and legacy.

Perceval, a prominent lawyer and politician, entered Parliament in 1796 as a member of the Tory party. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1807 and ultimately Prime Minister in 1809. During his tenure, he navigated complex challenges such as the Napoleonic Wars and the Regency Crisis of 1811, when King George III was deemed unfit to rule due to mental illness.

Tragically, on May 11, 1812, Perceval was shot and killed in the lobby of the House of Commons by John Bellingham, a disgruntled merchant with a grievance against the government. His assassination shocked the nation and led to significant changes in parliamentary security measures. Perceval was laid to rest in the Northamptonshire village of Charlton, where he had spent much of his childhood.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields, where Perceval resided, is the largest public square in London and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The area is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Royal College of Surgeons. The Borough of Camden, in which Lincoln’s Inn Fields is located, is a vibrant and diverse area of London, home to numerous historical sites, cultural attractions, and the famous Camden Market.