Cloudesley Shovell

Sir Cloudesley Shovell (c. November, 1650 – 22 or 23 October 1707), English admiral, was baptised at Cockthorpe in Norfolk, in 1650. Rising through the officer ranks he became a popular British hero, whose celebrated naval career was brought to an end in a disastrous shipwreck in the Isles of Scilly. Member of Parliament for Rochester, Kent, from 1695 until his death.

Life in the English Navy

Shovell went to sea as a cabin boy under the care of his kinsman Sir Christopher Myngs.

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He set himself to study navigation, and, owing to his able seamanship and brave and open-hearted disposition, became a general favourite and obtained quick promotion. In 1674 he served as lieutenant under Sir John Narborough in the Mediterranean, where he burned four men-of-war under the castles and walls of Tripoli, belonging to the pirates of that place. He was present as captain of HMS Edgar (70 guns) at the first fight at Bantry Bay, and shortly afterwards was knighted.

Related Topics:
1674 - Sir John Narborough - Mediterranean - Tripoli - Pirates - Captain - HMS ''Edgar'' - Bantry Bay - Knighted

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In 1690 he convoyed William III across St George's Channel to Ireland; the same year he was made Rear-Admiral of the Blue, and was present at the Battle of Beachy Head on July 10. In 1692 he was appointed Rear Admiral of the Red, and joined Admiral Russell, under whom he greatly distinguished himself at La Hogue, by being the first to break through the enemy's line. Not long after, when Admiral Russell was superseded, Shovel was put in joint command of the fleet with Admiral Killigrew and Sir Ralph Delaval. In 1702 he brought home the spoils of the French and Spanish fleets from Vigo, after their capture by Sir George Rooke, and in 1704 he served under Sir George Rooke in the Mediterranean and cooperated in the taking of Gibraltar.

Related Topics:
1690 - William III - St George's Channel - Ireland - Rear-Admiral of the Blue - Battle of Beachy Head - July 10 - 1692 - Rear Admiral of the Red - Admiral Russell - La Hogue - Admiral Killigrew - Ralph Delaval - 1702 - Vigo - George Rooke - 1704 - Mediterranean - Gibraltar

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In January 1704 he was named Rear Admiral of England, and shortly afterwards commander-in-chief of the British fleets. He co-operated with the Earl of Peterborough in the capture of Barcelona in 1705, and commanded the naval part of the unsuccessful attempt on Toulon in October 1707. When returning with the fleet to England his ship, HMS Association, at 8pm on October 22, struck on the rocks near Scilly along with several other ships, and was seen by those on board HMS St George to go down in three or four minutes' time, not a soul being saved of 800 men that were on board.

Related Topics:
1704 - Rear Admiral of England - Earl of Peterborough - Barcelona - 1705 - Toulon - 1707 - HMS ''Association'' - October 22 - Scilly - HMS ''St George''

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The body of Sir Cloudesley Shovell was cast ashore next day, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. It is said that he was alive when he reached the shore at Porthellick Cove, but was murdered by a woman for the sake of his jewellery. The murder came to light many years later when the woman, on her deathbed, confessed his murder to a clergyman and produced a stolen emerald ring.

Related Topics:
Westminster Abbey - Porthellick Cove

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