Not Charlton Heston

This bronze statue of General Gordon of Khartoum is prominently sited in Schoolhill, outside the arched vehicular entrance to Robert Gordon's college. The Correnie granite plinth matches the stone dressings of the Art Gallery and the gateway to Robert Gordon College.

There is no known family connection between General Charles Gordon and Robert Gordon.

This statue was one of the Scottish sculptor Thomas Stuart-Burnett's (1853-1888) last commissioned works.

The inscription reads "Charles George Gordon R.E.C.E. Major-General. Born 28 January 1833. Fell in his country's service at Khartoum, January 1885. Dedicated to his memory by members of the Gordon Clan. I have done my best for the honour of our country. Khartoum, 14 Dec, 1884".

Charles Gordon was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. He saw active service at the outbreak of the Crimean War. Ordered to China where Britain was involved in the Second Opium War, Gordon became commander of a militia group known as 'The Ever Victorious Army'. He won the title of Titu, the highest grade in the Chinese army, from the Emperor. The British Government promoted him to Lieutenant-Colonel, he was made a companion of the Bath and earned the popular nickname, 'Chinese' Gordon.