George Lamb (1784-1834) was the fourth and youngest son of 1st Viscount Melbourne. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, he was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn but shortly afterwards abandoned law for literature and the theatre. In 1819 he was persuaded to stand for the Whigs in a by-election and aided by, amongst other canvassers, his sister-in-law Lady Caroline Lamb [see note to lot 129] he won 'after a very disorderly contest lasting fifteen days' [D.N.B.]. Defeated in a General Election the following year, he was returned to Parliament for Dungarvon, Co. Waterford in 1826, and in 1830 became Under Secretary of State for his brother, Lord Melbourne [see note to lot 129]. J