James Oglethorpe was a British aristocrat and philanthropist in the eighteenth century who pioneered prison reform in the United Kingdom before founding the state of Georgia as a classless society for poor people from England. He planned the town of Savannah as well as established a deep friendship with Native Americans. Oglethorpe refused to allow slavery in Georgia, despite strong opposition, and successfully defended Georgia from an attack by the Spanish in Florida. On his return to the UK, Oglethorpe became the senior general in the British army and supported the campaign to abolish slavery in the British Empire.

General James Oglethorpe: From Georgia to Cranham Hall highlights Oglethorpe’s outstanding achievements, acknowledges some of his significant shortcomings, and offers reflection on his legacy both in Georgia and in the UK.