War was declared with Spain in 1739, known as the War of Jenkins’ Ear. Walpole became ill and there was doubt about his ability to continue in office. However he won a vote of confidence in 1742 over the government’s handling of the war with Spain.

Walpole’s wife died in 1737, but their relations had been strained for some time. Walpole married his long time mistress, Maria Skerritt on 3rd March 1738. However she died three months later during childbirth.

There was a famine in Ireland in 1740, and in the same year Thomas Arne wrote “Rule Britannia” and Frederick the Great became king of Prussia. In 1741 Handel wrote “The Messiah” in eighteen days.

Sir Robert Walpole accepted a peerage in that year and resigned as Prime Minister on 11th February 1742. He was named as Earl of Orford and continued to take part in debates in the House of Lords until his death in London on 18th March 1745.

1. What was the name of Walpole’s political party?  [, Liberal, Tory, Conservative, Whig]

2. What was the name of George II’s queen who supported Walpole?  [, Caroline, Catherine, Maria, Elizabeth]

3. What was the name of the Bishop of Rochester who led the Jacobite plotters?  [, Jenkins, Bolingbroke, Atterbury, Oxford]

4. For which place was Walpole MP after Castle Rising?  [, Rochester, Great Dunham, King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth]