# Lord George Gordon — Barnaby Rudge character guide

> Lord George Gordon in Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lord George, Gordon, George Gordon

**First appearance:** 0002-chapter-1

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Chapter 35](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-36)

Shows his sincere but weak character, plagued by doubts and seeking reassurance from Gashford.

### [Chapter 37](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-37)

Rides from the Maypole to London, drawing public attention with his 'No Popery' cries and eccentric appearance.

### [Chapter 43](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-43)

Leads the mob in Westminster, speaking violently against Catholics. Dismisses Haredale's accusations and departs with Gashford.

### [Chapter 48](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-48)

Leads the Protestant association, recruits Barnaby, and dismisses the mother's concerns as madness.

### [Chapter 57](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-57)

Visits Barnaby at the stable, questions his sanity, and dismisses John Grueby from his service.

### [Chapter 66](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-66)

Mentioned as the former master of John Grueby, who left his service due to the riots.

### [Chapter 73](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-the-last)

Tried for high treason, acquitted, later imprisoned for libel, converts to Judaism, and dies in Newgate.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/lord_george_gordon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters