Francis Austen

Sir Francis Austen (1774–1865) was a British officer who spent most of his long life on active duty in the Royal Navy, rising to the position of Admiral of the Fleet. In October 1805, as commander of the HMS Canopus, a captured French ship of the line, Austen was temporarily detached from Admiral Nelson's fleet for convoy duty in the Mediterranean, and missed fighting in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Related Topics:
1774 - 1865 - Royal Navy - Admiral of the Fleet - October - 1805 - HMS Canopus - Ship of the line - Admiral Nelson's - Battle of Trafalgar

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Austen's rapid early promotions were largely due to the patronage of the powerful Warren Hastings, who was a friend of the Austen family and was alleged to be the actual father of Frank's cousin (and later sister-in-law), Eliza de Feuillide.

Related Topics:
Warren Hastings - Eliza de Feuillide

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Austen was brother to novelist Jane Austen, and likely the model for the character William Price in the novel Mansfield Park.

Related Topics:
Jane Austen - Mansfield Park

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