George Canning - Westminster Abbey, London, UK - Statues of Historic Figures on Waymarking.com

George Canning, born 11th April 1770. Died 8th August 1827. Endowed with a rare combination of talents, an eminent statesman, an accomplished scholar, an orator surpassed by none, he united the most brilliant and lofty qualities of the mind with the warmest affections of the heart. Raised by his own merit, he successively filled important offices of State, and finally became First Minister of the Crown. In the full enjoyment of his Sovereign’s favour and of the confidence of the people, he was prematurely cut off when pursuing a wise and enlarged course of policy, which had for its object the prosperity and greatness of his own country, while it comprehended the welfare and commanded the admiration of foreign nations. This monument is erected by his friends and countrymen.

In the north transept of Westminster Abbey, often called Statesmen’s Aisle, are three statues commemorating George Canning, Prime Minister, his son Charles John, Earl Canning, and George’s cousin Stratford Canning.

George Canning was born in London on 11th April 1770, a son of George (d.1771) and his wife Mary Ann (Costello), both of whom were Irish. Due to his father’s early death he was taken into the household of his uncle Stratford and educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford. He became a Member of Parliament, through the influence of William Pitt, and spoke out against the slave trade. George was twice Foreign Secretary and in April 1827 he became Prime Minister. But he died on 8th August that year and was buried near Pitt in the north transept. His statue is by Sir Francis Chantrey and dated 1834. It shows him wearing a cloak and holding a scroll, with books at his feet.

In 1800 he married Joan Scott. She died in 1837 and is buried in the north transept. They had four children – George Charles (d.1820), William Pitt, Charles John and Harriet (d.1876). William was Commander of the Royal Navy ship Alligator and was drowned in 1828 while bathing at Madeira. He was buried in the East Cloister, near the south gates, but the stone was not inscribed.

George’s son Charles John was born 14th December 1812 and also attended Eton and Oxford and became a Member of Parliament. In 1835 he married Charlotte Stuart and he succeeded to the title of Viscount Canning of Kilbrahan (a title having been granted to his mother after her husband’s death). He served in Robert Peel’s government and became Governor General and first Viceroy of India. In 1859 he was created an Earl. His wife died in India of malaria in 1861 and the following year he died in London, being buried with his father.

With the re-opening of Westminster Abbey after Covid-19 lockdown photography, for private use, has been allowed in most areas of the Abbey when services are not taking place (see here). There is an entry fee payable to enter the Abbey that is currently £18 for an adult (October, 2020).