Spencer Perceval 1762 – 1812

Biography

Spencer Perceval was born on November 1, 1762, in Mayfair, London, during a transformative period in British history. He would go on to serve his nation in one of its highest offices, navigating the complex political landscape of the early nineteenth century with dedication and conviction.

Perceval’s life was cut tragically short on May 11, 1812, when he was fatally wounded by gunshot while at the Palace of Westminster. His death marked a significant moment in British political history, as he remains the only Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to have been assassinated while in office. The circumstances of that day left an indelible mark on the nation he had served.

Following his passing, Perceval was laid to rest at St Luke’s Church in Charlton, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Though his tenure was interrupted by his untimely death, his legacy endured as a figure of consequence in British governance. His life, spanning nearly fifty years, reflected the dedication of a public servant committed to his country during a consequential era in its development.