Broad Bottom ministry

For other uses of "Broad Bottom", see broad bottom government.
"Pelham ministry" redirects here. For Pelham's first administration as First Lord of the Treasury, see Carteret ministry.

Pelham brothers
detail of painting
Henry Pelham, Prime Minister of Great Britain
detail of painting
Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, Secretary of State

The Broad Bottom ministry was the factional coalition government of Great Britain between 1744 and 1754.[1] It was led by the two Pelham brothers in Parliament, Prime Minister Henry Pelham in the House of Commons and the Duke of Newcastle in the House of Lords.

Early in 1746 the King wished a change of prime minister, and Pelham lost power, but only briefly. On returning to office he put in place a strengthened broad coalition of Whigs. The second Broad Bottom administration lasted from Pelham's resumption of power until his death in 1754.[3]

  1. ^ Colley 1985, p. 243 Closed access icon
  2. ^ Kulisheck 2004 Closed access icon
  3. ^ Beyond the more senior ministers listed (see below), other significant figures in the ministry from 1746 include Henry Fox as Secretary at War and William Pitt as Paymaster of the Forces.[2]