People
Historical Figures and Influential People in History
Explore rulers, generals, thinkers, scientists and reformers who shaped world history. Search for a specific person, or browse by era, region, country and A–Z.
Historical Figures from United Kingdom
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6 results
George Canning
1770–1827Industrial AgeEurope
He climbed from financial insecurity to the highest office in Britain, but his brief time as prime minister ended almost as soon as it began.
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George Grenville
1712–1770Early Modern EraEurope
He tried to tighten Britain’s grip on its American colonies through taxation, and in doing so, helped spark resistance that would eventually lead to revolution.
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George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen
1784–1860Industrial AgeEurope
He preferred quiet diplomacy to loud politics, yet found himself leading Britain into the Crimean War, a conflict that tested his cautious instincts and ended his premiership.
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George Stephenson
1781–1848Industrial AgeEurope
He grew up illiterate on the Northumberland coalfields and redesigned the way humans moved across the surface of the earth.
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George VI
1895–1952Industrial AgeEurope
He never wanted to be king, had a stammer that made public speaking an ordeal, and became the defining symbol of his country's refusal to give in during its darkest years.
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Gordon Brown
1951–?Modern HistoryEurope
He spent a decade controlling Britain’s economy as chancellor before inheriting the premiership mid-crisis, where global financial turmoil defined and ultimately limited his time in power.
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