James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope PC (c. 1673 – 5 February 1721) is a British diplomat and soldier who effectively serves as Chief Minister between 1717 and 1721.

He is probably best remembered for his service during War of the Spanish Succession.

He is also the first British Governor of Minorca, which he had captured from the Spanish, between 1708 and 1711.