Brummel, George Bryan, (the sometime famous BEAU BRUMMEL), born in London, June 7, 1778. He was educated at Eton, and there formed intimacies with the younger nobility of the day. On his father's death, inheriting a fortune of about $150,000, he began his career as a man of fashion, and became the intimate associate of the Prince of Wales (afterward George IV.). He it was who inaugurated the reign of dandyism, and for a period of 20 years exercised almost despotic sway over English society in the matter of dress. His fortune being soon swallowed up, he maintained his position in society by his success at play, and the indescribable charm of his manner and conversation. After a rupture with the Prince, his influence gradually declined; and oppressed by debt, he retired to Calais, and afterward to Caen, where he was appointed British Consul, and where he died, March 30, 1840.
Entry from Everybody's Cyclopedia, 1912.