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Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet
George Downing | |
|---|---|
 Portrait by Thomas Smith, c. 1675–1690 | |
| Teller of the Exchequer | |
| In office 1660–1684 | |
| Ambassador to the Dutch Republic | |
| In office 1657–1665 | |
| Member of Parliament for Morpeth | |
| In office April 1660 – 1684 | |
| Member of Parliament for Carlisle | |
| In office 1656–1660 | |
| Member of Parliament for Edinburgh | |
| In office 1654–1656 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1623 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | pr. 19 July 1684 (aged 59)[1] |
| Spouse |
Frances Howard
(m. 1654; died 1683) |
| Children | 6, including Sir George Downing, 2nd Baronet |
| Residence | Gamlingay |
| Alma mater | Harvard College |
| Occupation |
|
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Commonwealth of England |
| Commands | Scoutmaster-General of Commonwealth Forces in Scotland |
| Battles/wars | |
Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet (c. 1623 – c. 19 July 1684) was an Anglo-Irish diplomat and financial reformer, who held office first under the Commonwealth of England, then Charles II. As Teller of the Exchequer, he carried out major reforms in public finance, including securing passage of the Navigation Acts, intended to protect English maritime commerce, especially from the Dutch Republic.
He played a significant role in acquiring New York City from the Dutch in 1665. Two New York streets are named after him, one in Greenwich Village and one in Brooklyn, as well as Downing Street, London.
- ^ Muskett 1900, p. 99.
- ^ Burke 1914, p. 382.
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