Lord George Gordon (26 December 1751 – 12 November 1793) was a politician in the United Kingdom best known for lending his name to the so-called "Gordon Riots" of 1780. A colourful personality, he was born into the Scottish nobility and became a member of parliament for Ludgershall. His life ended after a number of controversies, notably one surrounding his conversion to Judaism for which he was ostracised. He died in prison.
George Gordon was bo...
more
Lord George Gordon (26 December 1751 – 12 November 1793) was a politician in the United Kingdom best known for lending his name to the so-called "Gordon Riots" of 1780. A colourful personality, he was born into the Scottish nobility and became a member of parliament for Ludgershall. His life ended after a number of controversies, notably one surrounding his conversion to Judaism for which he was ostracised. He died in prison.
George Gordon was born in London, England, third and youngest son of Cosmo George Gordon, 3rd Duke of Gordon, and the brother of Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon. After completing his education at Eton, he entered the Royal Navy, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant in 1772. Lord Sandwich, then at the head of the Admiralty, would not promise him the command of a ship however, and he resigned his commission shortly before the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. In 1774 the pocket borough of Ludgershall was bought for him by General Fraser, whom he...
less
