Gravesend

General Gordon

General Gordon - Hero of Khartoum
Situated in The General Gordon Park in Gravesend.

General Charles George Gordon lived in Gravesend for 6 years during the construction of the Thames Forts.  He was in command of the Royal Engineers and thus was responsible for the forts that guard the RiverThames downstream from Tilbury/Gravesend.  Whilst living in the town he became concerned about the plight of the young orphans there, and he devoted himself to their welfare.  He established a school, food and clothing and a Sunday School - all from his own Army wages.

This monument was raised to his memory after his death in 1885.   General Gordon was killed by the Mahdi's hoardes whilst defending Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan.  His memory is also commemorated by the name of the Embankment of the Riverside Leisure Area: it is the Gordon Promenade.

SW

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