NEWCASTLE

Newcastle was a protégé of Robert Walpole and served under him for more than 20 years until 1742. He held power with his brother, prime minister Henry Pelham, until 1754. He had then served as a Secretary of State continuously for 30 years and dominated British foreign policy. After Henry's death, Newcastle was prime minister for six years in two separate periods. This was signed during his first term.Ponsonby served in both the Irish and the British House of Commons, before entering the House of Lords, and held office as a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, and as Postmaster General of the United Kingdom. He was also a Privy Counsellor, Chief Secretary for Ireland and Earl of Bessborough. His father died in July 1758 and he succeeded to the House of Lords in November.