George Harrison (civil servant) facts for kids

Sir George Harrison (born 1767, died 1841) was an important English barrister (a type of lawyer) and civil servant (someone who works for the government). For 21 years, he worked at the Treasury, which is like the government's money department. During his time, he helped create a more professional civil service, where people got jobs based on their skills, not just who they knew.

Biography

Sir George Harrison started his career as a talented young lawyer. In 1798, he began working for the government, helping with a new plan to redeem (buy back) land tax. He became a full lawyer in 1800. As his work became more routine, he was promoted in 1805.

Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

In 1805, Sir George was given a new job: Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. His main role was to help with the daily tasks and administration, making the work of the second secretary easier. At this time, the Treasury was getting much busier. This meant they needed more skilled government workers, chosen for their abilities. Sir George helped lead this change for the 21 years he was in this role.

Even when the government changed in 1806, Sir George managed to keep his important job. He was protected by Lord Grenville, who saw his value. Sir George and another secretary, Vansittart, were key in creating a new financial plan. Because of his hard work, Sir George's pay was increased in 1807.

Auditor of the Treasury

Sir George continued to be a trusted advisor to the government. He helped manage the money for the Peninsular War, a big conflict happening at the time. In 1807, he became one of the two auditors of the Treasury. An auditor checks financial records to make sure everything is correct. He also helped reorganize the audit office. In 1807, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for top scientists. His pay was raised again in 1809.

When Lord Liverpool became Prime Minister in 1812, Sir George's old colleague Vansittart became the Chancellor of the Exchequer (the head of the Treasury). This meant Sir George's influence and responsibilities at the Treasury grew even more. He advised the government on how the Treasury should be organized. He also helped the Chancellor with dealings with the Bank of England and other financial groups in the City. Sir George was highly respected for his deep knowledge of the Treasury and his excellent administrative skills. His salary was raised to £3,500 per year in 1815.

Under his leadership, much of the Treasury's daily business was handled by the professional civil servants and clerks, with Sir George as their chief. Over time, the meetings of the Lords of the Treasury became less important, and even the Prime Minister and Chancellor stopped attending them regularly by 1827. This showed how much power had shifted to the skilled administrators like Sir George.

Auditor of the Duchy of Cornwall

In 1826, Sir George left his role as Assistant Secretary and Auditor of the Treasury. His work laid the groundwork for the modern Civil Service, which is how government jobs are managed today.

While still at the Treasury, Sir George was appointed auditor of the Duchy of Cornwall in 1823. This meant he managed the finances for a special estate belonging to the royal family. In 1826, he also became auditor of the Duchy of Lancaster, another royal estate. He held these jobs until he passed away. He also wrote a report about the laws of the tin mines in Cornwall.

In 1831, he was honored with a knighthood, becoming Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order and a Knight Bachelor. He was one of the first civil servants to receive such a high honor.

Family Life

Sir George Harrison was married twice. With his first wife, Dorothy Bunting (married 1791, died 1802), he had two sons, though one died young. He did not have any children with his second wife, Ann (married 1829, died 1840), who was the widow of his successor, William Hill.