Description:George Anson was born at Shugborough on 23 April 1697, the second son of William Anson. He married Elizabeth Yorke, daughter of Lord Hardwicke in 1748, and died suddenly at his home at Moor Park, Hertfordshire in 1762.
He is best known for his Naval career and in particular his circumnavigation on the Centurion from 1740 to 1744. The wealth he acquired during this expedition funded his brother Thomas's improvements to the Shugborough estate in the mid 18th century.
He was appointed Rear-Admiral in 1745, Vice-Admiral in 1746 and First Lord of the Admiralty in 1747, the same year he was created Baron Anson of Soberton. He played a great role in modernising and improving the Navy.
An oil portrait by Joshua Reynolds, which is on display at Shugborough Hall and is reproduced by courtesy of the National Trust.