George R. Dawson (1790-1856; M.P.)

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The son of Arthur Dawson, M.P., of Castle Dawson, co. Londonderry, George was educated at Harrow School and at Christ Church, Oxford.

While at Harrow he became friends with Robert Peel, who became his mentor throughout his political career. He was appointed as Peel's private secretary when Peel became Chief Secretary to Ireland in 1812. Dawson married Peel's sister Mary in 1816.

Dawson was elected as Tory M.P. for co. Londonderry in 1815, and sat for Harwich between 1830 and 1832. He was Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs 1822-1827, Secretary to the Treasury 1828-1830, Secretary to the Admiralty 1834-1835, and Commissioner and Deputy Chairman of Customs 1841-1856.