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Question
Which is the 18th or 19th-century prime minister said to have died having sex - I believe on a billiard table?
None of them did. However the rumour persists that Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, Prime Minister 1855-58 and 1859-65 died in that manner. In fact he was taken ill at his home Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire in the middle of October 1865 and he took to his bed never to leave it. He died on 18 October, two days before his 81st birthday. The rumours have their origin in the fact that he was quite a "ladies man", even after his marriage.
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Questioner's Rating
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks; I thought the story was about Palmerston but Greville's diary (contemporary) gives the version you have confirmed, so I thought I must have mis-remembered. Pity it's not true! | ||
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British History
Answers by Expert:
Mark Smith
Expertise
I have a good basic knowledge of British political history, but my speciality is the Kings and Queens of England and Scotland from 927 AD. Please no social history questions, it's not my strong point and I'm unlikely to answer them.
Experience
No professional experience, but a lifelong interest and access to a variety of sources of information.
Education/Credentials
"A" level in History.
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