F. J. Robinson, 1st Viscount Goderich
A British prime minister whose brief, tearful tenure earned him the unfortunate nickname 'the Blubberer' and a place as a historical footnote.
1782–1859 (age 77)·Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1827 to 1828·Birthday: November 1
Biography
Frederick John Robinson, Viscount Goderich, is remembered less for what he did as Prime Minister than for how poorly he fit the role. A capable and experienced administrator, he had served successfully as Chancellor of the Exchequer, where he was known as 'Prosperity Robinson' during a period of economic growth. When George Canning became Prime Minister in 1827, Goderich was his choice for Colonial Secretary and heir apparent. Canning's sudden death propelled the agreeable Goderich into the top job. It was a disaster. Leading a fragile coalition of Canningites and Tories, he proved utterly unable to control his quarrelsome cabinet or make decisive decisions. His government was paralyzed from the start. The final blow was personal; faced with incessant squabbling among his ministers, he reportedly broke down in tears while trying to resign to King George IV. He lasted just 144 days, never facing Parliament as Prime Minister, and is often cited as one of the least effective leaders in British history. His legacy is that of a competent number two utterly overwhelmed by the demands of number one.
#1 When F. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1782
F.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1782Born
1787Started school
1795Became a teenager
1798Could drive
1800Could vote
1803Turned 21
1812Turned 30
1822Turned 40
1832Turned 50
1842Turned 60
1852Turned 70
1859Died at 77
Key Achievements
- Served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, though his term from August 1827 to January 1828 was one of the shortest on record.
- As Chancellor of the Exchequer (1823-1827), his budgets coincided with a period of trade expansion and economic growth.
- Played a key role in the negotiation of the Reciprocity of Duties Act in 1823, which began a move towards free trade.
- Later served as Secretary of State for War and the Colonies under Prime Minister Earl Grey after his premiership.
Did You Know?
He is the only British Prime Minister to have never faced Parliament while in office.
His nickname 'the Blubberer' or 'the Soapy' stemmed from his alleged tearful breakdowns in front of the king.
His son, George Robinson, later became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom as the 1st Marquess of Ripon.
He is one of only a handful of prime ministers who served in the role while a member of the House of Lords, not the Commons.
“A government must be a steady hand, not a clenched fist.”
