Around 1785 Stebbing Shaw Historian (age 23) became tutor to Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 14) grandson of [his grandfather] Robert Burdett 4th Baronet (age 68).

After 03 Mar 1794 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 24) and Jane Elizabeth Scott Countess of Oxford and Mortimer (age 20) engaged in a relationship.

In 1796 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 25) was elected MP Boroughbridge.

In 1802 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 31) was elected MP Middlesex; the return was declared void in 1804 and he lost the ensuing by-election. In 1805 this return was amended in his favor, but as this decision was again quickly reversed, Burdett, who had spent an immense sum of money over the affair, declared he would not stand for parliament again.

In 1802 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 31) presented the radical writer Thomas Paine with a gift of money to enable him to discharge his debts and return to the United States. See Keane, J.: Tom Paine – a political life; Bloomsbury, London, 1996; p. 452.

In 1807 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 36) was elected MP Westminster.

In 1807 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 36) fought a duel with James Paull 1770–1808 the reform candidate for the City of Westminster; both were wounded.

From 1820 to his death in 1844 Francis Burdett 5th Baronet (age 49) lived at 25 St James' Place, Westminster.