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GEORGE SAVILLE

George Saville (Marquis of Halifax) was an English statesman and writer. He was born in 1630 and died in 1695, Having exerted himself for the return of Charles II he was created Viscount Halifax in 1667, in 1669 Earl, and in 1682 Marquis of Halifax, being also keeper of the privy seal and president of the council. He supported James II, but lost his favour by opposing the repeal of the Test and Habeas Corpus Acts. He was chosen speaker of the House of Lords in the Convention Parliament, and largely contributed to the elevation of William III to the throne. He wrote Advice to a Daughter, various political tracts, such as the Character of a Trimmer, Maxims of State, etc. He himself was a specimen of the trimmer, his conduct, however, being guided more by patriotic than personal reasons.
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