After a painting by John Greenhill. Image size: 6 7/8 wide by 8 7/8 inches. Accession 2907.
A man of intelligence and ambition, he foreshadowed the modern political party leader. Became known as "Shiftsbury" and "Little Machiavel" for his political betrayals. Appointed Lord Chancellor of England (1672-1673) by Charles II, but fell from favor due to his treacherous alliance with the opposition. In Parliament, secured passage of the Habeas Corpus Act (1679). Escaped to the Continent ahead of an arrest warrant for treason (1682).