Lord North (1732-1792).

Description: Lord North was Tory Prime Minister from 1770-82, a period in which the British politcal scene was undergoing radical changes. It was North who passed the 1773 Regulating Act that signalled the start of Parliament's participation in the government of India and the curbing of Company rule. The Act made Calcutta the seat of government under a Governor General who was answerable to a Secretary of State in London. North also supported George III's American policies and took a hard line with the colonies. He was subsequently forced out of office, resigning in 1782, after failing to retain the American territories. He retired from politics in 1783 and died on 5 August 1792; forever remembered as the minister who lost America.

Creator: Unknown

Date: c. 1780

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London