The Somerset prime minister who 'lost America'

Lord Frederick North, a Conservative politician who owned the Dillington Estate in Somerset, served as British Prime Minister for 12 years starting in 1770 and is primarily remembered for presiding over American independence in 1776. While he was considered an accomplished parliamentarian who was humorous and well-respected, historians view him as one of several hardline ministers who misjudged American colonial sentiment and failed to reverse unpopular policies like the Townshend Duties taxation system. North's disregard for public opinion was evident both in his role supporting cider taxes that sparked riots in the West Country and in his handling of escalating tensions with American colonists.