George Downing

Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet (1623 – July 1684) is an Anglo-Irish soldier, statesman, and diplomat.

Downing Street in London is named after him.

As Treasury Secretary he is credited with instituting major reforms in public finance.

His influence is substantial on the passage and substance of the mercantilist Navigation Acts.

The Acts strengthen English commercial and naval power, contributing to the security of the English state and its ability to project its power abroad.

More than any other man he is responsible for arranging the acquisition of New York from the Dutch, and is remembered there in the name of Downing Street.

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