I. William Eden, baron, a British diplomatist, born about 1750, died in 1814. In 1778 he was employed with Lord Carlisle in the attempt at a settlement of the rupture between the British government and the American colonies. He entered parliament, was secretary of Ireland, and was sent to the court of Louis XVI., where he negotiated a commercial treaty. On the breaking out of the revolution of 1789 he was sent to the Netherlands as envoy extraordinary; and for the manner in which he discharged his duties there he was called to an account by the house of commons on his return. He was created a baron in the Irish peerage in 1789, and also in the British peerage in 1793. He wrote "Principles of the Penal Laws" (1771), and various pamphlets, including one on the "State of the Poor in England." II George Eden, earl of, son of the preceding, born in August, 1784, died Jan. 1, 1849. He was president of the board of trade under Earl Grey in 1830, and first lord of the admiralty under Lord Melbourne in 1834. The next year he went to India as governor general. During his administration of this office the opium war with China broke out, and the disastrous expedition against Afghanistan took place.

Lord Auckland's chief personal action was exercised upon a system of native free schools, and an improved administration of justice. In 1841 he was succeeded by Lord Ellenborough, and on his return was created earl of Auckland and Baron Eden.