Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount

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Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) British statesman, prime minister (1834, 1835–41). Melbourne entered Parliament as a Whig in 1805. He joined the House of Lords in 1828. As home secretary (1830–34) in Earl Grey's administration, Melbourne was responsible for the suppression of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. As prime minister, he oversaw reform of the poor law (1834), but resisted changes to the Corn Laws. Melbourne gave Lord Palmerston control of foreign affairs and tutored Queen Victoria in statecraft. Sir Robert Peel succeeded him. Melbourne's wife, Lady Caroline Lamb (1785–1828), is chiefly remembered for her affair with Lord Byron.

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