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.

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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 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.


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