George Robinson (swindler)
George Robinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | England |
| Died | 18th century |
| Occupation(s) | Stockbroker, banker, politician |
| Years active | 1720s–1730s |
| Known for | Circulating cashier for the Charitable Corporation; involvement in 1727 'Partnership of Five' scandal; MP for Great Marlow (1731–1732) |
George Robinson operated as a stockbroker and banker based on Lombard Street, London, during the 1720s and early 1730s. Serving as the circulating cashier for the Charitable Corporation, he was involved in the 1727 'Partnership of Five' alongside Sir Alexander Grant, William Burroughs, William Squire, and John Thomson. This group acquired shares by pawning fraudulent pledges and conducted extensive speculative activities involving shares of both the Charitable Corporation and the York Buildings Company, frequently using these assets as collateral for loans, which ultimately caused financial damage to their associates.
In 1731, Robinson secured election as MP for Great Marlow. However, when the scandal surfaced in October, he fled to France together with Thomson. Both men were subsequently declared bankrupt. Robinson made a brief return by November to appear before the General Court of the Company but disappeared again by December amidst ongoing bankruptcy cases. On 3 April 1732, he was expelled from the House of Commons in his absence due to "indirect and fraudulent practices" connected to the Corporation and his failure to attend parliamentary meetings.
His property at Moor Place in Great Marlow—consisting of a farmhouse, roughly 300 acres of farmland, and about 230 acres of woodland—was put up for sale in early 1734. Previous advertisements also referenced Temple Mills and a lock located at Great Marlow. Bankruptcy procedures extended over a period exceeding fifteen years, with payments from his estate continuing until at least 1748. An Act of Parliament stipulated that he would be deemed a felon if he failed to return by a specified deadline, implying that he probably stayed abroad permanently. Conversely, Thomson came back after an extension was granted to his return date.