DUKE (HENRY PELHAM-CLINTON) OF NEWCASTLE - AUTOGRAPH - HFSID 224718

HENRY PELHAM-CLINTON, 2ND DUKE of NEWCASTLE
The Duke of Newcastle signs his name in brown ink
Clipped signature: "Newcastle" in brown ink. Irregularly cut, 3½x1. Henry Pelham-Clinton, 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne and 9th Earl of Lincoln (1720-1794) is best known for his famous relatives, his extremely powerful uncles Henry Pelham and the 1st Duke of Newcastle, who both served as Prime Minister in the mid-eighteenth century, from whom he inherited all his titles and property. Exceedingly good-looking, Newcastle earned the reputation as the most handsome man in all of England, and had a famous affair with the politician Horace Walpole before marrying his cousin Catherine Pelham (Prime Minister Henry Pelham's daughter) in 1744. Although not interested in pursuing a career in politics, Newcastle held considerable influence due to the parliamentary seats he controlled and twice used his power for his own interest: he actively promoted the Parliamentary career of a young cousin Sir Henry Clinton (who had served as commander-in-chief of British forces during the American Revolutionary War), and once when asked by King George III to support the new ministry of Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger by ordering the six Members of Parliament he controlled to offer their support. His life's legacy, however, remains as the creator and designer of Clumber Park, his county seat in Nottinghamshire, considered one of the most beautiful private parks in England and is now owned by the National Trust and is opened to the public. Toned. Light surface creases. Irregularly cut. Small stains. Pencil notes on verso in unknown hand. Otherwise, fine condition.