Could we get a Birthday Post for Lord Castlereagh?

Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh (18th June 1769 - 12th August 1822)

Lord Castlereagh was an Anglo-Irish politician who as War Secretary and Foreign Secretary, steered England through the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna and the Concert of Europe. His vision of a united Europe helped prevent a large scale war until WWI almost a hundred years later. He was also responsible for the Act of Union in 1801, accomplished when he was just 30 years old.

In addition to being accomplished, he was a Regency gallant, handsome and had an “intense, rather melancholy stare”, a great favourite among the ladies.

Coincidentally, his birthday is on the same day the Americans declared war on England in 1812, starting what became known as the War of 1812. Castlereagh was Foreign Secretary at the time, so he probably didn’t appreciate much the American’s choice of dates.

In 1822, Castlereagh committed suicide by slitting his own throat with a penknife. He is buried in Westminster Abbey near his mentor, Pitt the Younger.

For shaping the history of Europe and leading England through one of the most devastating wars since the 30 Years War, I think he deserves a birthday post.

Happy Birthday Castlereagh!