Quick Facts
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George Knapp (1754 – 1809) 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, (now Abingdon School).
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.