George Montagu Dunk, Earl of Halifax

In the west aisle of the north transept of Westminster Abbey is a memorial for George Montagu Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax, politician. The standing monument of white marble is by sculptor John Bacon and is dated 1782. Above a bust of the Earl are two winged cherubs holding the mirror of Prudence and the insignia of the Order of the Garter, while one also treads the mask of Hypocrisy underfoot. On the pedestal are grouped the Purse (emblem of his office of Lord Privy Seal), an Irish harp, a medal with an anchor and the coat of arms of George III on a standard.

The inscription reads:

Sacred be the monument which here is raised by gratitude and respect to perpetuate the memory of GEORGE MONTAGU DUNK, EARL OF HALIFAX, Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter; whose allegiance, integrity and abilities alike distinguished and exalted him in the reign of George 2nd and of George 3rd. In the year 1745 (an early period of his life) he raised and commanded a regiment to defend his King and Country against the alarming insurrection in Scotland. He was soon after appointed first Lord of Trade and Plantations; in which department he contributed so largely to the commerce and splendor of America, as to be stiled [styled] "Father of the Colonies". At one and the same time he filled the united great offices of First Lord of the Admiralty, Principal Secretary of State and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He was afterwards appointed Lord Privy Seal; on resignation whereof he was recall'd to the important duties of Principal Secretary of State and deceas'd (in possession of the Seals) June 8th 1771. His worth in private life was eminent and extensive; and was best testified in the honor and esteem which were borne him living, and the lamentations bestow'd upon his ashes. Among many instances of his liberal spirit, one deserves to be distinctly recorded - during his residence in Ireland he obtained the grant of an additional 4000 [pounds] per annum for all subsequent viceroys; at the same time nobly declining that emolument himself.

The coats of arms shown are those for Montagu, Monthermer and Dunk.

His life

George was born in October 1716, the only son of George Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax, and his second wife Lady Mary Lumley. Educated at Eton and Cambridge, where he was a brilliant scholar, he succeeded to his father's title in 1739. In 1741 he married Ann Dunk (d.1753), daughter of William Richards afterwards Dunk (he inherited an estate from Sir Thomas Dunk on condition that he and his heirs took the surname of Dunk).

In 1748 he became president of the Board of Trade and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1761. He was twice Secretary of State (1762 and 1771) and was called the 'Father of the Colonies' for his success in extending American commerce. He also helped in the foundation of the colony of Nova Scotia in Canada and the capital was called Halifax after him.

His only legitimate daughter Elizabeth married John Montagu, 5th Earl of Sandwich. By his mistress Anna Maria Falkner George had a daughter Anna.

He died at Horton in Northamptonshire on 8th June 1771 and is buried there.

Further reading

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004