George Godolphin, 2nd Baron Godolphin, was born on 16 July 1802, the son of Francis Godolphin, and his wife the Hon. Elizabeth Charlotte Eden, daughter of William, 1st Baron Auckland. On 21 October 1824 he married Harriette Emma Arundel Stewart; they had several children. On the death of his uncle, Francis Godolphin D'Arcy, in 1859, he became 8th Duke of Leeds. He died on 8 August 1872, and was succeeded by his eldest son George Godolphin, who became 9th Duke of Leeds.