Charles Stanhope (1673–1760)

Charles Stanhope (1673—1760) was an English barrister and Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1717 to 1741.

Deeply implicated in transactions related to the South Sea Company, possibly concerned with political corruption, he was strongly defended by those in government, and was acquitted of all charges brought against him.

James Stanhope and Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland were investigated over dealings in South Sea Company stock after the Bubble, and Charles Stanhope also; but he avoided the ruin of political career that came upon Sunderland.

Stanhope was seeking procurement, but the new King George II discovered among his father's papers a note written by Stanhope with proposals for drastic action against him during a family quarrel.

While he owed his seat to Newcastle, he supported the government in all divisions except on the civil list arrears in 1729.