• 1st Viscount: Henry Dundas Melville. 1742-1811.
• 2nd Viscount: Robert Saunders Dundas Melville. 1771-1851. 

Henry Dundas Melville

His political influence was extensive in the Pitt ministry. A close personal friend of Pitt and second to him in the House of Commons. he dominated Scottish politics, controlled Indian affairs; and played a major role in the conduct of the war with France. 

• 1742: Born in Edinburgh, came from a family of distinguished lawyers
• Educated at Edinburgh University
• 1763: Began to practice law
• 1766: Solicitor General for Scotland
• 1774: MP for Edinburghshire
• 1775: Appointed Lord Advocate 
• 1777: Joint Keeper of the Signet.
• 1779: Sole Keeper of the Signet
• 1781: Chairman of the secret committee investigating the Carnatic War 
• 1782: Lord Advocate and a member of the Privy Council.
• 1782: Given the Signet for life and made Treasurer of the Navy (1782-1800)
• 1784-86: Lord of Trade
• 1791-94: Home Secretary
• 1793-1801: President of the Board of Control 
• 1794-1801: Secretary at War
• 1802: Created Viscount Melville
• 1804-1805: First Lord of the Admiralty
• 1811: Death

Robert Saunders Dundas

Robert continued the family's position of political and legal eminence. An able, innovative administrator, he made his greatest contribution as First Lord of the Admiralty.

• 1771: Born only son of Henry
• Private secretary to this father
• 1796: MP for Rye
• 1800: Joint Keeper of the signet for Scotland
• 1807-12: Member of the Privy Council 
• 1809?: President of the Board of Control
• 1812-1830: First Lord of the Admiralty
• 1851: Death