Philip Dormer Stanhope Chesterfield

In 1733, Chesterfield married Melusina de Schulenberg, who was the illegitimate daughter of King George I. He did not beget any children from this marriage.

In 1732, his illegitimate son, Philip, was born from a union with Madelina Elizabeth du Bouchet. It was for this son that he had composed letters with advice and instructions for dignified living.

He lent his name to the street in Mayfair, which runs from Curzon Street, where the Chesterfield house is located. Two counties in the United States of America have also been named after him.

Philip Dormer Chesterfield was born on September 22, 1694 in London. He was the son of Philip Stanhope, the 3rd Earl of Chesterfield and Lady Elizabeth Savile. He was known as Lord Stanhope till his father passed away in the year 1726.

Born and brought up in London, he completed his education at ‘Trinity Hall’, Cambridge. After this, he undertook the Grand Tour of Europe to learn more about other countries, their systems, culture and art.

Due to the sudden death of Queen Anne in 1714 and the accession of King George I, he was called back from his tour. His appointment as the ‘Gentleman of the Bedchamber’ of the Prince of Wales, through the influence of his uncle, launched his political career.

Lord Chesterfield entered the House of Commons in 1715, as a member of St. Germans. He seized the opportunity of the impeachment of James Butler, the Duke of Ormonde, to flaunt his oratory skills and gave his maiden speech which was an instant success.

Since he was still six months short of age to assume a seat in the House of Commons, he continued with his European tour. In 1716, he resumed his seat and took active part in the proceedings of the government.

Philip Chesterfield was appointed the Captain of Gentlemen Pensioners by the government in 1723. During this time, he befriended Henrietta Howard, the Countess of Suffolk, who was the Prince’s mistress, earning the wrath of the Princess of Wales.

He soon found himself in the House of Lords where his oratory skills began to be appreciated tremendously. In 1728, he was sent to The Hague as ‘Ambassador’. He handled all political affairs with flair, tact and intelligence which earned him good reputation.

His popularity and impeccable manners won him the friendship of Robert Walpole, who is often considered the first Prime Minister of Britain. He received the position of Lord Steward, an important post in the royal household, in 1730.

His most accomplished work has been ‘Letters to His Son’ which consists of a series of more than 400 letters addressed to his son. These letters were written in French, English and Latin, and dealt with a wide range of subjects such as geography, history and sophistication.

He wrote another series of letters titled ‘Letters to His Grandson’. These letters too are regarded as brilliant pieces of literature, full of wisdom, and display his keen observation and his way with words.