George Knapp (MP)
George Knapp (1754 – 1809) was a British Member of Parliament.[1]
George Knapp | |
|---|---|
| Born | 29 January 1754 |
| Died | 12 November 1809 |
Early life and education
George Knapp was born during 1754 in Abingdon, the son of a grocer.[2] He was educated at John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon, (now Abingdon School).[3]
Career
George and his younger brother Henry became grocers, running a shop in West St Helen Street before George became a banker. George started a career in politics and by 1780 was a freeman. He later became a burgess, bailiff and chamberlain[2] and was four times Mayor of Abingdon.
He defeated Sir Thomas Metcalfe, 1st Baronet for the Abingdon seat in the 1807 election, winning by a margin of seven.[2][3]
Death
He died in mysterious circumstances in 1809. There were reports that he was thrown from a gig on his head and died from an affection of the brain and fatal fever but there are suspicions that it may have been as a result of a duel.[2][4]
Personal life
George was a gambler and never married but is believed to have had two illegitimate daughters, based on the evidence within his will.[2]
See also
References
- "KNAPP, George (1754-1809), of Abingdon, Berks". History of Parliament Trust. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
- "Biography". Abingdon.gov.uk.
- Preston, Arthur Edwin (1929). St.Nicholas Abingdon and Other Papers, pre isbn. Oxford University Press. p. 366.
- Urban, Sylvanus (1809). The Gentleman's Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, Volume 79, Part 2, pre isbn. John Nichols and Son. p. 1085.
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sir Thomas Metcalfe, 1st Baronet |
Member of Parliament for Abingdon 1807–1809 |
Succeeded by Henry Bowyer |