Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland (5 September 1641-28 December 1702) was an English Tory politician who served as Lord President of the Council from 4 December 1685 to October 1688, succeeding George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax and preceding Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds.
Biography[]
Robert Spencer was born in Paris, France in 1641, the son of Henry Spencer, 1st Earl of Sunderland and the maternal grandson of Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester. His father was killed at the First Battle of Newbury in 1643, and he became Earl of Sunderland at the age of 3. He served in Prince Rupert of the Rhine's regiment of horse before marrying the daughter of George Digby, 2nd Earl of Bristol in 1665. He served as ambassador to Spain from 1671 to 1672, France from 1672 to 1673, and the United Provinces in 1673, as well as Gentleman of the Bedchamber from 1673 to 1679 and a Privy Councillor. He rose through the ranks due to his swift decision of business, but his caustic temper and belief in absolute monarchy made him numerous enemies. He openly embraced Catholicism in 1687 in a bid to please King James II of England, but he was forced to flee England just before the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He later established himself with the new regime, becoming an advisor to the Crown and evincing no party loyalty. He reverted to Anglicanism in 1691 and rejoined the House of Lords, and he became Lord CHamberain of the Household in 1697. He died in 1702 and was succeeded by Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland.