A reassessment of the significance of the life and work of George Savile 1st Marquis of Halifax, 1633-95

Thesis

This thesis studies the career and political writings of George Savile, 1st Marquis of Halifax (1633-1695). Halifax played a significant role in the politics of Restoration England. An opposition politician who broke with the earl of Shaftesbury over the issue of Exclusion, he helped to ensure James II succeeded to the throne in 1685. After decisively intervening in the Revolution he proffered the Crown to William and Mary, under whom he served as Lord Privy Seal. His interventions in the politics of the period, though sporadic, were decisive, and helped to avert the three interlinked catastrophes he truly feared: renewed civil war, the destruction of European Protestantism, and the collapse of England into tyranny. An active politician he also wrote widely: seven of his pamphlets were published during his life, and he left a variety of unpublished notes and maxims. Known in subsequent centuries as ‘The Trimmer’ he has been depicted as an advocate of moderation. Despite his importance the only significant biography of him dates from 1898 and although a magisterial edition of his works was published in 1989 he has subsequently received comparatively little attention.

The thesis makes three arguments. First that Halifax was committed to comprehending Presbyterians within the Church of England, and therefore sits within an element of mainstream religious thought in Restoration England. Deeply concerned about the fate of Reformed Christians in continental Europe, his religious sentiments influenced his views on foreign policy. Second, that situating his writings within contemporary discourses on republicanism shows his sympathy with such ideas. His 1680 Limitations proposal would have effectively reduced the English monarch to a ‘Duke of Venice’. Third, that his disillusionment with the aftermath of the 1688 Revolution demonstrates his concern that the power of the nobility was being eclipsed by economic and military changes.

Authors: Barbour-Mercer, C

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-mp4296bzv
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: trimming; trimmer; Marquis of Halifax
• Subjects: Great Britain--Foreign relations--1660-1688; Great Britain--History--William and Mary, 1689-1702; Toleration--Religious aspects--Anglican Communion; Great Britain--History--Revolution of 1688; Huguenots; Great Britain--History--James II, 1685-1688; Exclusion Crisis, Great Britain, 1678-1683; Great Britain--History--Charles II, 1660-1685