Years as Prime Minster

Grafton's appointment as Prime Minister in 1768 was not without controversy. He was not the first choice of King George III, who had preferred Lord Chatham, but Chatham's declining health made him unavailable for the position. Grafton was also not the choice of some members of the Whig party, who felt that he lacked the necessary experience and gravitas for the role.

Despite these challenges, Grafton managed to form a government and immediately faced a number of significant challenges. One of the biggest issues he faced was the escalating tensions with the American colonies. The colonists were growing increasingly unhappy with the British government's policies, including taxation without representation, and were organizing protests and boycotts of British goods.

Grafton initially tried to take a conciliatory approach towards the colonies and proposed a number of reforms aimed at easing tensions. However, these proposals were met with skepticism and even outright hostility by many colonists. Grafton also faced resistance from some members of his own government, who were more hardline in their approach to the colonies.

Another major challenge that Grafton faced was the outbreak of the Wilkes affair. John Wilkes was a radical journalist and politician who had been expelled from Parliament in 1764 for publishing articles critical of the government. In 1768, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Middlesex, a move that was widely seen as a rebuke to the government.

Grafton was initially reluctant to take action against Wilkes, but pressure from other members of his government and the King eventually forced his hand. Wilkes was expelled from Parliament once again, which sparked widespread protests and riots. Grafton responded by sending in troops to quell the unrest, a move that was widely criticized and seen as heavy-handed.

The Wilkes affair, combined with the growing tensions with the colonies, put significant pressure on Grafton's government. His approval ratings plummeted, and he faced significant opposition in Parliament. In January 1770, Grafton resigned as Prime Minister, citing personal reasons.

Despite the controversies and challenges of his tenure as Prime Minister, Grafton's contributions to British politics and society were significant. He was a vocal advocate for the American colonies and supported their struggle for independence. He was also a supporter of parliamentary reform and the abolition of slavery, and he played a key role in promoting scientific discoveries and experimentation.

Overall, Augustus Henry Fitzroy, 3rd Duke of Grafton, was a complex and sometimes controversial figure in British history. While his tenure as Prime Minister was marked by controversy and criticism, his contributions to politics, society, and science continue to be remembered and celebrated today.