George Augustus Selwyn was born on 11 Aug 1719 in Chislehurst, Kent, England to parents John Selwyn and Mary Farrington. He was christened on 27 Aug 1719 in Chelsfield, Kent. [1]
He was educated at Oxford, Hart Hall, 1738-39. He went on the Grand Tour and returned to Oxford in 1744. He was suspended in 1745. He was appointed "clerk of the irons and surveyor of the meltings of the mint." He served in Parliament from the borough of Ludgershall. After his brother died he inherited his father's estate and mansion and sat in Parliament for the city of Gloucester from 1754-1780. He was silent in Parliament but a noted wit in the clubs. "Social wit which, never kindling strife, Blazed in the small sweet courtesies of life." (Dr. Warner in Gent. Mag. 1791)
He never married. He adopted a daughter, Maria Emilia Fagnani. Maria was born illegitimately to Marchesa Fagnani. Her paternity is uncertain but Selwyn took her in as a newborn and brought her up as his daughter. "A dispute between the Duke of Queensberry and Selwyn as to the paternity of the girl was never settled." [2]
He died on 25 Jan 1791 in St James, Westminster, London, England. [3]
He left his estate to his adopted daughter. His will was probated on 17 Feb 1791. [4] [5]
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Categories: Chislehurst, Kent (London) | Notables