WALPOLE ROBERT: (1676-1745) 1st Earl of Orford. British Statesman, often regarded as the De Facto first Prime Minister of Great Britain, serving under George I & George II. Walpole is the longest-serving Prime Minister in British history 1721-42. Signed 3 x 2.5 piece (`R Walpole´), being cropped from an official document bearing at the head `Treasury Chambers..15´. Boldly signed by Walpole, and countersigned immediately below by William St. Quintin. With remnants of former mounting to the verso. G

In 1712, Walpole was accused of corruption and was pronounced "guilty of a high breach of trust and notorious corruption". He was impeached by the House of Commons and found guilty by the House of Lords, being imprisoned in the Tower of London and expelled from Parliament. Few years later Walpole was appointed First Commissioner of the Treasury.

William St. Quintin (1662-1723) Lord of the Treasury 1714-17