16 Facts About George Wade

George Wade went on to be a military commander during the War of the Austrian Succession and Commander-in-Chief of the Forces during the Jacobite rising of 1745.

George Wade returned home to join in the suppression of the Jacobite rising of 1715 and undertook security duties in Bath, where he unearthed a haul of Jacobite weapons.

George Wade entered politics as MP for Hindon in 1715.

George Wade became MP for Bath in 1722, retaining the seat for 25 years.

George Wade's house, built around 1700, is situated next to Bath Abbey and is a Grade I listed building.

The government of George I sent Wade to inspect Scotland in 1724.

George Wade recommended the construction of barracks, bridges and proper roads to assist in the control of the country.

George Wade organised a militia, "Highland Watches", and called on members of the landed gentry to sign up and raised the first six companies in 1725.

Also in 1725, George Wade put down an insurrection after the government attempted to extend the "malt tax" to Scotland, and enraged citizens in Glasgow drove out the military and destroyed the home of their representative in Parliament.

George Wade raised four more "Highland Watch" companies in 1739, which were subsequently reorganized as the Black Watch regiment.

George Wade still had the time to sign his support to the Foundling Hospital, which was established in 1739 in London.

George Wade helped plan the road but had died before construction began in 1751.

George Wade received mention in a verse sung as part of God Save the King around 1745:.

George Wade left two natural sons, Captains William and John George Wade, and two natural daughters, Jane Erle and Emilia.

George Wade left most of his estate to his natural children although he provided generously for the widow and children of his brother William, Canon of Windsor, Berkshire.

George Wade had a second natural daughter named Emilia, who was married first in 1728 to a Mr John Mason and then to a Mr Jebb.