Davison, Alexander (1750 -1829)

Alexander Davison of Swardale Park, Acklington, in Northumberland, was a prize agent, and a confidential friend of Lord Nelson. Originally a clerk in the house of Robert Hunter & Co, merchants in London, he was sent out by them to Quebec, where he resided some time. On his return he set up in business in London for himself, married the daughter of Mr Gosling, a wealthy banker, and was admitted as first partner in a bank in Pall Mall. He amassed a large fortune as a government contractor, and purchased Swarland Park from the widow of Mr D. R. Grieve in 1795. He was tried in 1808 for fraud in taking commission for goods supplied by him to the army as a merchant. Found guilty, he repaid the money and served a twenty one month term of imprisonment in Newgate.