Admiral of the Narrow Seas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Office of the Admiral of the Narrow Seas |
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Flag of the Kingdom of England
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| Reports to | Lord High Admiral, Board of Admiralty |
| Nominator | Monarch of England, First Lord of the Admiralty |
| Appointer | Monarch of England
Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council
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| Term length | Not fixed (usually for life) |
| Inaugural holder | Vice-Admiral Sir John Pendagrast |
| Formation | 1412-1688 |
The Admiral of the Narrow Seas was an important job in the Royal Navy (England's navy). This person was in charge of the English navy's special group of ships called the Narrow Seas Squadron. This squadron worked in the waters between England and France (the English Channel, especially the Straits of Dover). They also patrolled the southern North Sea, which is between England and what was then the Spanish Netherlands (later the Dutch Republic).
This role existed from 1412 to 1688. The Admiral's team and ships were sometimes called the Command of the Narrow Seas.
Contents
What Were the Narrow Seas?
The "Narrow Seas" were the parts of the ocean very close to England. These included the English Channel and the southern North Sea. For a long time, England believed these waters belonged to them.
Why Were These Waters Important?
- Control and Safety: England wanted to control who sailed through these important waterways.
- Fishing Rights: They also wanted to control who could fish in these areas.
- Showing Power: Any foreign ship passing through had to show respect to English warships. This meant dipping their flags or lowering their sails.
The Admiral of the Narrow Seas made sure these rules were followed.
History of the Admiral's Role
The first time a naval officer was officially called an Admiral was in 1303. By 1344, "Admiral" was a rank for a captain leading a group of ships.
During the 1400s, 1500s, and 1600s, England strongly claimed these "Narrow Seas." The Admiral of the Narrow Seas was one of the most important naval jobs. Sometimes, this person was called the "Vice-Admiral of the Narrow Seas." This meant they were second in command to the main Lord High Admiral.
The King or Queen officially appointed these Admirals. Their main jobs were:
- To protect the Narrow Seas from any foreign threats.
- To keep English fishing boats safe.
- To make sure England's control over these waters was respected.
England kept claiming these waters until 1822. That's when the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and other European countries agreed on a new rule. This rule said that a country's waters only extended three miles from its coast.
Important Admirals
Many brave naval officers held the title of Admiral of the Narrow Seas. They played a key role in protecting England's interests at sea. Some notable figures who held this position or similar commands in the Narrow Seas include:
- Sir John Pendagrast: He was the first to hold the title in 1412.
- Sir John Hawkins: A famous sailor from the time of Queen Elizabeth I, he served as Vice-Admiral in 1563.
- Sir Robert Blake: A very important naval leader during the English Civil War, he commanded in the Channel in the 1650s.
These leaders and many others helped shape England's naval power. They ensured the safety and control of the vital waters around the country.
See also
- Admiral of the South, North and West
- Admiral of the West
- Admiral of the North
- Admiral of the North and West
- Battle of the Narrow Seas
