William Petty Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

William Petty, 1st Marquess of Lansdowne (1737-1805), was a prominent British statesman who served as Prime Minister from 1782 to 1783. Born into an aristocratic family, he inherited the title of Earl of Shelburne in 1761. Petty was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, and later entered politics, becoming a Member of Parliament in 1760.

Throughout his career, Petty held various influential positions, including Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was a strong supporter of American independence during the American Revolutionary War, believing that the colonies should be granted greater autonomy. This stance put him at odds with many of his colleagues in Parliament.

As Prime Minister, Petty played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War in 1783. He was also instrumental in shaping Britain’s foreign policy and advocating for free trade. Despite his brief tenure as Prime Minister, Petty’s impact on British politics was significant.

The plaque commemorating William Petty is located at The Lansdowne Club, 9 Fitzmaurice Place in the upscale Berkeley Square area of Westminster, London. The club, which bears his name, was founded in 1935 and occupies a historic building that once served as Petty’s residence. The borough of Westminster, known for its iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, has long been a center of British political power and influence.

William Petty’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, and his extensive collection of books and manuscripts formed the basis of the renowned Lansdowne Collection. Petty’s son, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne and serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary in the early 19th century.