Sir Gamaliel Nightingale | |
---|---|
Birth name | Gamaliel Nightingale |
Born | Kneesworth Hall, Cambridgeshire | 15 February 1731
Died | January 1791 Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth, Cambridgeshire |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | Royal Navy |
Years of service | 1744–1779 |
Rank | Captain |
Commands held | HMS Badger (August 1757 – October 1758) HMS Vengeance (October 1758 – May 1761) |
Battles/wars | Battle of Quiberon Bay |
Relations | Nightingale family |
Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale, 9th Baronet (15 February 1731 – January 1791) was an English landowner and Royal Navy officer.[2]
Sir Gamaliel was born at Kneesworth Hall, his family seat. He was the son of Sir Edward Nightingale, the 7th baronet, and Eleanora Ethelston. His older brother Edward succeeded to the Nightingale baronetcy on the death of their father in 1750. Sir Gamaliel succeeded his brother in 1782.[2]
Further information: Nightingale Island |
Sir Gamaliel is also known for exploring a small volcanic island near Tristan da Cunha, which in 1760 he named Nightingale Island.[8] Lying in the South Atlantic Ocean between Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, it is part of one of the remotest archipelagos in the world.
The island is densely populated by wildlife, particularly birds, and is recognized by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area. Two of the world's rarest birds are found only on the island: the Nightingale Bunting (4,000 pairs) and Wilkins's Bunting (approximately 85 pairs).[9]