The present study – the edited version of my DPhil thesis submitted to the University of Buckingham in 2015 – is in the areas of political and diplomatic history, and focuses on the relations between Lord Holland and Portugal. It covers the period between 1793 and 1840 and traces the evolution of Holland's views on Portugal from the time of his first visit to Spain to his later contribution to the establishment of a constitutional regime in Portugal. Particular attention is given to the Hollands’ visits to Portugal in 1804– 5 and 1808– 9. On their travels, they met a number of prominent Portuguese, notably Palmela, who were to remain in contact with Holland House – especially during periods of exile – for many years into the future. The Portuguese journeys and the continued contact with people like Palmela were to play an important part in the development of Lord Holland's views, not only on Portugal but also on broader political and constitutional issues.

Thus this study investigates Lord Holland's influence on the establishment of a constitutional regime in Spain in 1809– 10 and – indirectly and unintentionally – in Portugal in 1820– 23. It includes a study of Holland's contribution to the settlement of a government in Brazil in 1808 – that is, at the time the Bragancas moved from Portugal to Rio de Janeiro – and his indirect influence on the establishment of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves in 1815.

This book examines at some length Lord Holland's contribution to the establishment of a Liberal regime in Portugal in 1834. It includes a study of the extent of Holland's support for the Portuguese Liberal cause after Dom Miguel's usurpation of the throne in 1828 and of his subsequent role in the ‘Liberal invasion’ of Portugal. To this end, it investigates relations between Portuguese emigres and the Holland House Circle, Holland's role in the triangular diplomacy between Lisbon, St James and South Audley Street in 1828 and later.