William Stanhope (1702–1772)

Sir William Stanhope KB (1702–1772), of Eythrope, Buckinghamshire, was an English landowner and opposition Whig politician, who sat in the House of Commons for 35 years between 1727 and 1768.

He was returned again as MP for Buckinghamshire in a contest at the 1734 British general election, He attended the court of Frederick, Prince of Wales.

About this time, he started to improve Eythrope House, employing Isaac Ware to build new stables and follies in the garden and park.

[2] He adorned the grounds of Eythrope, his favourite seat, with ‘the imitation of ruins of an amphitheatre, castles, and turreted buildings.

He appears to have restored his favour with the Prince of Wales, for he was marked as potential joint vice-treasurer of Ireland in the 2nd Lord Egmont’s lists of persons to receive office on Frederick’s accession.

[1] Stanhope was returned unopposed for Buckinghamshire at the 1754 British general election, He enjoyed travelling despite ill health and increasing deafness and spent the next few years in Italy.

Chesterfield wrote that by God’s good providence he found out a young woman of a retired disposition, and who had been bred up prudently under an old grandmother in the country; she hated and dreaded a London life, and chose to amuse herself at home with her books, her drawing, and her music.

When they came to Blackheath, he made her a low bow and said, ‘Madam, I hope I shall never see your face again.’ She replied, ‘Sir, I will take all the care that you never shall.’ A separation was mediated by Lord Chesterfield.