George Rennie, mechanical and civil engineer was born in Southwark on 3 December 1791, the eldest son of John Rennie (1761-1821). George was educated at St. Paul's School and from 1807 he attended Edinburgh University. From 1811 he travelled throughout Europe learning continental architecture and engineering.
Prior to his father's death, George Rennie was assisting him with bridge design at Waterloo Bridge, Southwark Bridge, London Bridge. During the 1820s he designed the bridge over the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Rennie was also involved in making engines for ship building, railway engineering, and well as the building of locomotives. He died of paralysis on 30 March 1866 at his home, 39 Wilton Crescent, Pimlico, London.