View source for Elphinstone, George Keith

{{Template2
|Dates=1761-62, late-1700s-1823
|Location=Portsmouth, Plymouth and London
|Vocation=Naval officer
|Place of Birth=Elphinstone Tower, Airth 
|Marriage=Jane Mercer; Hester Maria Thrale
|Issue=Margaret; Georgiana
|Source=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
}}
Joined the 'Royal Sovereign' at Portsmouth (1761) but transferred to the 'Gosport' in January 1762. Rose through naval ranks, being given various commands of ships. Frequently sailed to North America and around the Mediterranean. 
Returned to England (1782) and held a seat in the House of Commons. Created Knight of the Bath for his services in France (1794). Continued to enjoy promotion across the decades, enjoying a long and successful naval career. Rewarded with freedom of the city of London and created a baron of Britain and Ireland. Further ennobled in 1803 when created Baron Keith of Banheath of county Dumbarton.
Retired to his estates at Purbrook Park, near Portsmouth, and Kincardine in the Firth of Forth (1807). Came out of retirement in 1812, being appointed commander-in-chief of the Channel Fleet; spend most of time ashore at Plymouth to preserve health.
Ended long career in 1815. Died in his castle at Tulliallan and was buried at Overtown church, Kincardine,