Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon

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The 4th Duke of Gordon.
The 4th Duke of Gordon.

Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon KT (18 June 174317 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.

A younger Duke of Gordon in 1764.
A younger Duke of Gordon in 1764.

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

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