George Canning was born at Garvagh, County Londonderry, where his father, Stratford Canning, had an estate; George was the eldest of three sons. Stratford Canning, was seemingly rather strict as he frowned so much on a youthful love affair of his son that he disinherited him, though he furnished an allowance of £150 a year (very roughly £12,500 in 2012).  

George moved to London, where in 1752 he entered Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1764. He was unsuccessful in the Law, and no more successful as a wine merchant. He married Mary Anne Costello in 1768, who though not at all monied, was beautiful, popular and well-connected, but this was not good enough for Stratford Canning who completely disowned him. George then turned to writing, ultimately unsuccessfully, though he published several literary articles, as well as Poems and A Translation of Anti-Lucretius. He planned to publish his own love-letters, but nothing could save him from penury. He died of inflammation of the bowels. 

The date of his death was the first birthday of his son, also George, who was rather more successful. His mother had become an actress; George was adopted by an uncle when he was eight. He eventually entered politics, became Foreign Secretary in 1822 and served for an outstanding five years in that post. In 1827 he became Prime Minister, but after four months died in office.

Born:	c.1730
Died:	11 April 1771