Dudley Ryder, 1st Earl of Harrowby

Dudley Ryder, 1st Earl of Harrowby PC ( * December 22, 1762, † December 26, 1847 ) was a British nobleman and politician of the Tory party.

Life

Ryder was the eldest son of Nathaniel Ryder, 1st Baron Harrowby, and his wife Elizabeth. He attended the Harrow School and then studied at St. John 's College at Cambridge University.

He represented the district from 1784 to 1803 " Tiverton " in the House. Had previously occupied the seat his father among others. Starting in 1790, he held various subordinate government offices. Particular, he was from 1790 to 1801 Vice- President of the Board of Trade.

When his father died in 1803, he inherited his title and he rose to the House of Lords. From 1804 to 1805 he was secretary of state under William Pitt, who was a close friend of Ryder. Subsequently, he took over the office of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Pitt commissioned him with important missions to Austria, Russia and Prussia. 1809 Ryder was raised to the Earl of Harrowby. From 1812 to 1827 then held the office of Lord President of the Council held.

The Office of the Prime Minister, which had been offered to him after the death of George Canning, Ryder refused because he did not want to serve under King George IV. Then he took no more offices, but remained active in politics; he played a prominent role in the implementation of the Reform Act 1832.

Family

Ryder was in 1795 with Susan Leveson - Gower, daughter of Granville Leveson - Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford. Together with her he had eight children. He died in 1847 at the age of 85 years. His titles went over to his eldest son Dudley.