The sitter was born in Devon and was educated firstly at Eton and then at the University of Leipzig. He entered into politics and served as Member of Parliament for Honiton, Devon, between 1753 and 1796 (excluding the years 1761 to 1763). He held many influential posts, including that of Lord of the Admiralty, Vice-Treasurer for Ireland, Secretary at War and Master of the Royal Mint. In 1788 he was made a Knight of the Bath but despite this success, he was dogged by financial difficulties. As a result he accepted the post of Governor of the Cape, a position which came with a salary of £4,000 a year. He moved to South Africa but was soon heavily criticised for being more interested in ‘founding theatres and masquerade rooms.’ and general incompetency. In 1801 he was ordered home but his reputation was saved by his friendship with King George III, who bestowed upon him apartments at Hampton Court.