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Article: Harley, Robert (1661–1724)
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- Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World
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HARLEY, ROBERT (1661
–
1724)
HARLEY, ROBERT
(1661
–
1724), British politician. Robert Harley headed the Tory ministry from 1710 to 1714. Although by background a Whig and dissenter, he eventually changed his political affiliation, becoming leader of the Tory and Anglican governing regime.
Born in London on 5 December 1661, the eldest son of Sir Edward Harley and Abigail Harley, daughter of Nathaniel Stephens, Robert Harley received a private education and was admitted to the Inner Temple on 18 March 1682, though never called to the bar. During the Glorious Revolution of 1688 he assisted his father in raising a regiment of cavalry and took part in capturing the city of ...