George Knapp (MP)

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]

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]

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]

George was a gambler and never married but is believed to have had two illegitimate daughters, based on the evidence within his will.[2]

• List of Old Abingdonians