Gordon Bennett
Gordon Bennett is a common phrase used in British English to express surprise or shock, for instance. "Gordon Bennett! Look at the size of that."
The phrase is believed to have originated in the 19th century, after a notorious Victorian playboy called James Gordon Bennett, Jr. (1841-1918) who became famous for his extravagant lifestyle and exploits, so much so that his name became stuck in the vernacular.
The most famous "Gordon Bennett" incident involves Bennett arriving late and drunk to a party at the New York mansion of the family of his fiancee, socialite Caroline May. Once there, he urinated into the fireplace in full view of his hosts. The engagement was broken off immediately, and a scandalized Bennett moved to France. This incident was entered into the Guiness Book of World Records, under "Greatest Engagement Faux Pas."
Gordon Bennett was also a comic book character — named after the above expression — who appeared in The Beano, between 1999 and 2000 as a "Guest Star". He used to play pranks on Mr Nifty, the neighbour who hated him. Their relationship was similar to what the American Dennis the Menace does to his grumpy neighbour Mr. Wilson. He was running to be voted to stay in the comic but lost with Tricky Dicky and Inspector Horse and Jocky. The Three Bears won.
Henry Gordon Bennett (1887 - 1962), usually known simply as Gordon Bennett, was a controversial Australian soldier. Bennett was a decorated hero in World War One and was appointed commander of the Australian 8th Division in World War Two. After Allied forces in Singapore surrendered, in 1942, Bennett escaped by commandeering a boat; virtually all of the 8th Division became prisoners of war.
Gordon Bennett, born in Monto, Queensland in 1955, is an Australian Aboriginal artist.
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