George Canning was the son of William Canning, 1st Baron Canning (1779–1839), the British ambassador to Brazil, and Elizabeth (née Guthrie) Canning (1772–1859). He was educated at Eton College, but left school early to join the army. He entered Parliament for the borough of Liverpool in 1826. On his family's return to Britain in 1829, he became a Whig MP for Liverpool until 1835.
He served as Secretary at War under Lord Goderich (1828–28), Viscount Goderich (1828–31), and then Secretary for War under Lord Melbourne (1831–35).
He was Foreign Secretary under Lord Melbourne (1835–41).
He was Secretary for Foreign Affairs under Lord Melbourne (1841–46).
He was Prime Minister of Britain from 1846 to 1852.
His government lasted for only 6 months because he resigned over the question of Irish home rule.
The Whig Party was dissolved by his action, and he formed the Liberal Party with Peelite Tories
Read more
He did not stand for election for his seat in Parliament after 1852.
He died in Paris on 9 August 1857.
Lord Canning became a name in English history because of his role as Foreign Secretary during the period known as "the Great Game." He opposed Russian expansion into Central Asia and India, and instead favored diplomacy based on "the balance of power." His tenure as Foreign Secretary marked a turning point in Anglo-Russian relations that would lead to the Crimean War.
Titles: Baron Canning; Viscount Canning; Earl Canning; Earl Canning and Viscount Canning
Parents: William Canning, 1st Baron Canning (1779–1839) & Elizabeth Guthrie (1772–1859)
Arms: "Quarterly: 1st and 4th, Azure a cross flory between four fleurs-de-lis or; 2nd and 3rd gold a chevron between three roses gules" ("Guthrie")
Residences: London; Carlsbad; London; London
Titles: Earl Canning; Viscount Canning; Baron Canning & Viscount Canning ("venerated title") & Earl of Liverpool ("honorary title")
