George Harcourt, 2nd Earl Harcourt

George Simon Harcourt, 2nd Earl Harcourt (1 August 1736 – 20 April 1809), styled Viscount Nuneham until inheriting the title of Earl Harcourt in 1777, was a British politician and gardener.

Early life Harcourt was the eldest son of Simon Harcourt, 1st Earl Harcourt and his wife, Rebecca Le Baas. His younger brother was William Harcourt

His paternal grandparents were the former Elizabeth Evelyn (sister of Sir John Evelyn, 1st Baronet) and the Hon. Simon Harcourt, MP for Wallingford and Abingdon. Upon his grandfather's death in 1720, his father became heir apparent of his grandfather, Simon Harcourt, 1st Viscount Harcourt, whom his father succeeded as 2nd Viscount Harcourt in 1727.

Career In 1754, Harcourt travelled in Germany and Italy with George Bussy Villiers, and William Whitehead as tutor to Villiers. His Grand Tour continued to 1756. Whitehead later wrote poems about both men's families' estates, Middleton Park and Nuneham Courtenay.

Harcourt was elected to parliament for St Albans in 1761, remaining a member until 1767. He was not recorded as having spoken in the House.

In 1772, Harcourt began to redesign the gardens at Nuneham Courtenay, assisted by William Mason, moving on to the park in 1777. From 1779 Capability Brown was brought in to advise on the park and gardens; and Paul Sandby, perhaps a contact made through Whitehead, on the interior of the house. and set up a poetry prize on the Ancient Britons, won by George Richards.

In 1784, he acquired the remainder of the Cogges manor estate from the heirs of Viscount Wenman, to clear the latter's debts.

In 1790, Harcourt was appointed Master of the Horse to Queen Charlotte, a post he held until his death.

Personal life Harcourt married his first cousin Elizabeth, daughter of George Venables-Vernon, 1st Baron Vernon and Martha Harcourt in 1765.