Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon
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Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon KT (18 June 1743–17 June 1827), styled Marquess of Huntly until 1752, was a Scottish nobleman.
He was described by Kaimes as the "greatest subject in Britain", and was also known by the nickname Cock o' the North.
He is credited as the founder of the Gordon Setter breed of dog, having popularised a 200 year old breed during the 18th century and then formalised its breed standard in 1820.
He succeeded as Duke of Gordon in 1752 and was a Scottish representative peer from 1767. He was appointed a Knight of the Thistle in 1775 and was created a Peer of Great Britain as Baron Gordon, of Huntley in the County of Gloucester, and Earl of Norwich, in the County of Norfolk, in 1784. He was Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland from 1794 to 1806 and from 1807 to 1827.
He raised regiments (the 92nd Highlanders) in 1794 for the American Rebellion and French Revolutionary Wars. He was responsible for establishing the village of Tomintoul in Banffshire in 1775. His younger brother was Lord George Gordon.
Political offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by The Earl of Marchmont |
Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland 1794–1806 |
Succeeded by The Earl of Lauderdale |
Preceded by The Earl of Lauderdale |
Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland 1807–1827 |
Succeeded by The Duke of Argyll |
Honorary titles | ||
Preceded by ? |
Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire 1794–1808 |
Succeeded by The Duke of Gordon |
Peerage of Scotland | ||
Preceded by Cosmo George Gordon |
Duke of Gordon 1752–1827 |
Succeeded by George Gordon |
Peerage of Great Britain | ||
Preceded by New creation |
Earl of Norwich 1784–1827 |
Succeeded by George Gordon |
Peerage of England | ||
Preceded by Mary Mordaunt |
Baron Mordaunt 1819–1827 |
Succeeded by George Gordon |