Sunderland, Robert Spencer, 2nd earl

Sunderland, Robert Spencer, 2nd earl of

(born Sept. 5, 1641, Paris, France—died Sept. 28, 1702, Althorp, Northamptonshire, Eng.) English statesman and chief adviser in the reigns of Charles II, James II, and William III. After a period in diplomatic service, he twice served as secretary of state (1679–81, 1683) and became the chief architect of Charles's pro-French foreign policy. He converted to Roman Catholicism to maintain his influence in James's reign. After William became king, Sunderland renounced his Catholicism and became the principal intermediary between the king and Parliament. He was appointed lord chamberlain in 1697, but Whig opposition soon forced him from office.