Barnaby Rudge · Character

Lord George Gordon

The eccentric nobleman whose Protestant petition and promise of forty thousand men turns a crowd into a mob.

supporting

Also known as Lord George, Gordon, George Gordon

First appearance: chapter 1

As a supporting figure in Barnaby Rudge, Lord George Gordon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The leader of the horsemen, he is described as having a mild, melancholy face with a restless eye.

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Lord George Gordon is the name on every Londoner's lips as the great petition against the Catholics draws thousands to St. George's Fields. He has declared he will not present it unless attended by a vast body of 'good and true men,' and the city buzzes with his supposed power. Whether he is a sincere fanatic or a vain enthusiast, his blue cockades and his name become the spark that ignites the novel's central catastrophe.

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See Lord George Gordon in chapter 1

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Lord George Gordon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Main Riot Participants

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak here is the collective dread and anticipation of an execution, as the city’s silence and th…

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In the story

Lord George Gordon appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter 35
The leader of the horsemen, he is described as having a mild, melancholy face with a restless eye. He speaks with authority and is deeply committed to his cause, as shown by his solemn 'Amen'.
Chapter 36
Shows his sincere but weak character, plagued by doubts and seeking reassurance from Gashford.
Chapter 37
Rides from the Maypole to London, drawing public attention with his 'No Popery' cries and eccentric appearance.
Chapter 43
Leads the mob in Westminster, speaking violently against Catholics. Dismisses Haredale's accusations and departs with Gashford.
Chapter 48
Leads the Protestant association, recruits Barnaby, and dismisses the mother's concerns as madness.
Chapter 57
Visits Barnaby at the stable, questions his sanity, and dismisses John Grueby from his service.
Chapter 66
Mentioned as the former master of John Grueby, who left his service due to the riots.
Chapter 73
Arrested for High Treason and taken to the Tower, desolate and alone, abandoned by his followers and betrayed by his secretary.
Chapter the Last
Tried for high treason, acquitted, later imprisoned for libel, converts to Judaism, and dies in Newgate.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lord George Gordon in chapter 1

See Lord George Gordon in Chapter 35