Harley, Edward, 1664-1735

Edward Harley was an English peer and politician. Born 7 June 1664 in Herefordshire, his father was a member of Parliament and his older brother, Robert, became the 1st Earl of Oxford. He consistently supported the political career of his brother, who was to become Minister of England. Edward himself served several terms in Parliament, and in 1703 became Auditor of the Imprest, a post he held until his death in 1735. The Auditor of the Imprest was an office under the Exchequer, which verified that money issued to military officers was used as directed; due to fees paid to the office, the post was lucrative, and Harley earned praise for his work as Auditor.