George Knapp (MP)


George Knapp was a British Member of Parliament.

Early life and education

George Knapp was born during 1754 in Abingdon, the son of a grocer. He was educated at John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon,.

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 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.

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.

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.