Memorial to Sir George Prevost in Winchester

George Prévost was born on 19 May 1767, in the Province of New Jersey. His father was Augustin Prévost, a French-speaking Swiss Protestant, and a lieutenant-colonel in the British Army.

In 1779, Prévost was commissioned at the age of eleven, as an ensign in the 60th Regiment of Foot, in which his father was a senior officer. In 1782, he transferred to the 47th Regiment of Foot, as a lieutenant, followed in 1784 by a move to the 25th Regiment of Foot as a captain. He then returned to the 60th Foot on 18 November 1790 with the rank of major, at the age of 23. Prévost's maternal grandfather was a wealthy banker in Amsterdam, and his money is considered to have certainly been responsible for his quick advancement up the chain of command in the British Army "by purchase".

In 1798, Prévost became a brigadier-general, at the age of 30. In May he was appointed to be the lieutenant governor of St Lucia, where his fluency in French and conciliatory administration won him the respect of the French planters living there.

In 1802, soon after fighting against France resumed, Prévost was chosen to be the governor of Dominica. In 1803, the French attempted to seize the island, and Prévost fought against them. He would also fight against the French in an effort to reclaim St Lucia.

In 1811, Prévost was appointed as commander-in-chief of British forces in North America. On 21 October, he was appointed to be the governor-in-chief of British North America. As commander-in-chief, he took over the presidency and administration of Lower Canada. During his time as commander-in-chief, he was focused on ensuring the military security of the Atlantic colonies.

During the War of 1812, Prevost succeeded in preventing the US successfully invading British North America (Canada). However his offensives failed and he was removed as the War ended.

His memorial is in Winchester Cathedral records his services to the British Empire in St Lucia, Domenica and Canada.