Biography of William Gordon

William Gordon, son of William F, a merchant in Jamaica, studied at the University of Glasgow from 1739-45, under George Ross (Professor of Humanity from 1735-1754).

Gordon held a variety of public posts, including British representative to the Diet at Ratisbon (1764-5); Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Denmark (1765); Minister at Brussels (1765-77); Comptroller of the Board of Green Cloth (1780-1782). In 1775 he was Knighted (KB), and was elected MP for Portsmouth in 1786. He continued in his diplomatic role and was sent to Paris, in order to "compose Spain" around 1787, and served as a representative at Naples.

Sir William Gordon died at London on 26 January 1798, aged 72.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964

Archival Materials

• Addison, W. Innes, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow from 1728 to 1858

Summary

William Gordon
Born 1726.
Died 22 January 1798.
GU Degree: Arts, 1739;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: politicians
English snippet: Arts student at the University of Glasgow, prominent politician
Record last updated: 28th Mar 2013

Country Associations

Jamaica, No Region
Place of Birth

England, London
Place of Death

Belgium, Brussels

Denmark, No Region

France, Paris

Italy, Naples

University Connections

University Roles

• Student