The Tories, although they were called the Pittites until about 1812, split from the Whig Party around 1800. Some members suggested a name change to the Conservative Party in the late 1820's, and Sir Robert Peel officially adopted the Conservative name in 1834. The Tories tended to support the lesser gentry and the Church of England.
Sir Robert Peel (1788 - 1850) was a founder of the Conservative Party.