British merchant and politician.

Member of Parliament (1754-80). Heavily involved in the affairs of the Grand Ohio Company (also called the Vandalia or Walpole Company), whose investors, including Franklin, hoped to purchase and develop a large tract of land west of present day Virginia.

The American Revolution effectively dissolved the Grand Ohio Company. Walpole suffered a number of financial reversals in later life, from which he never fully recovered.

Brother of Richard Walpole. Married Elizabeth Vanneck in 1750; had issue. Married Jeanne Marguerite Bataille de Montval, Comtesse de Villegagnon.