Richard Edwards
Edwards in 1780
Bornc. 1715 (1715)
DiedFebruary 3, 1795(1795-02-03) (aged 79–80)
Fordwich, Kent
AllegianceGreat Britain
Service/branchRoyal Navy
RankAdmiral
Commands heldNore Command

Admiral Richard Edwards (c. 1715 – 3 February 1795) was a Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator who twice served as the governor of Newfoundland from 1757 to 1759 and 1779 to 1781. He also served as Commander-in-Chief, The Nore from 1788 to 1792.

Naval career

Edwards was promoted to lieutenant in 1740 and to captain in 1753.[1] He was appointed governor of Newfoundland for his first term in 1757.[1] His main concern was defence of the colony as Great Britain and France were at war.[1] Edwards was re-appointed governor for a second term in 1779 and was again concerned with the colony's defences – only this time against American privateers.[1] In 1780 he formed the Newfoundland Volunteers under the command of Robert Pringle.[1] Edwards ordered the construction of Fort Townshend (see Lord Townshend) and the Quidi Vidi batteries including those at Petty Harbour.[1] Promoted vice-admiral in 1787, he became in Commander-in-Chief, The Nore in 1788.[1] He was promoted to Admiral of the Blue in 1794.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Thompson, Frederic F. (1979). "Edwards, Richard". In Halpenny, Francess G (ed.). Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. IV (1771–1800) (online ed.). University of Toronto Press. Retrieved 2 January 2015.

External links

Political offices Preceded byRichard Dorrill Governor of Newfoundland 1757–1759 Succeeded byJames Webb Preceded byJohn Montagu Governor of Newfoundland 1779–1781 Succeeded byJohn Campbell Military offices Preceded bySir Andrew Hamond Commander-in-Chief, The Nore 1788–1792 Succeeded byWilliam Locker


Lieutenant-Governors and Governors of Newfoundland
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