The letter-journal of George Canning

George Canning (1770-1827) was the grandson of Stratford Canning (1703- 1775), a land owner in Londonderry, Ireland. His father, George Canning (1736-1771) married Mary Ann Costello of Connaught. After his father's death, his mother became an actress and he was raised by family relations. George studied at Oxford and later studied law in London where he became involved in politics. Canning's journal covers the period when he first entered the House of Commons as MP for the Isle of Wight.