Francis William Drake

(b. 1724, Buckland Monachorum, Plymouth, Devon – d. 1788, London, England )

Gender: M

Francis William Drake (1724-1788/9) was born in Devon, and was descended from the Elizabethan naval hero Sir Francis Drake. He joined the navy as a boy and was promoted through the ranks, serving as Governor of Newfoundland in 1752. He commanded the HMS Edgar throughout the Seven Years’ War, and in 1759 served under Admiral Edward Boscawen. He retired on half-pay in 1763 and was MP for Bere Alston from 1771-1774. He was promoted to Rear-Admiral, took command in the Downs in 1779, and commanded the Channel Fleet in 1780.

Also known as:

Francis William Drake

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