George Edward Doney

Who is George Edward Doney?

George Edward Doney is believed to have been born around 1758 in Gambia. He was transported to Virginia as a young boy and sold into slavery. He is believed to have come to Watford Hertfordshire at around 1765. He served the Capel family - Earl of Essex - as a servant and was based at Cassiobury House. He achieved respect and status at Cassiobury House and was included in a painting of Cassiobury Park at around 1748. Records at St Marys Church, Watford show he was baptised on the first of August 1774. He was buried at the same church in 1809. Another mark of the high regard The Earl of Essex had for George is the gravestone still standing today, that was listed in August 2008. He died a free man.