Career
Beckwith was commissioned into the 37th Regiment of Foot in 1771. He distinguished himself as a regimental officer in the American Revolutionary War, where he was assistant to Major Oliver Delancey responsible for British Intelligence. In July 1782 he replaced Delancey and after the war he worked for Sir Guy Carleton in Canada.
His efforts were aimed at stirring up trouble in Vermont, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee.
At the time Britain thought the weak American government might ask for British help. He was then appointed Governor of Bermuda in 1797, Governor of Saint Vincent in 1806 and Governor of Barbados in 1810.
He was made a Knight Bachelor for his Capture of Martinique in 1809 and also led a successful expedition against Guadeloupe, the last French possession in the area, in 1810. Sir George Beckwith was Commander-in-Chief, Ireland from 1816 to 1820.
He died in London on 20 March 1823.
His father was Major General John Beckwith, who commanded the 20th Regiment of Foot. He was also the uncle of Major-General John Charles Beckwith.