Evan Nepean facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Sir Evan Nepean Bt FRS
Governor of Bombay
In office 1812–1819
Preceded by	George Brown
Succeeded by	Mountstuart Elphinstone
Personal details
Born	(1752-07-09)9 July 1752 St Stephens by Saltash, Cornwall, England
Died	2 October 1822(1822-10-02) (aged 70) Loders, Dorset, England
Spouse	Margaret Skinner
Children	8
Parent	Nicholas Nepean
Occupation	Politician colonial administrator

Sir Evan Nepean, 1st Baronet (born 9 July 1752 – died 2 October 1822) was an important British politician and administrator. He was the first person to hold the title of Nepean Baronet. This was a special honor given by the King. He was also a Privy Councillor and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Evan Nepean's Early Life and Family

Sir Evan Nepean was born in a place called St. Stephens, near Saltash in Cornwall, England. His father, Nicholas Nepean, was an innkeeper. His mother was Margaret Jones.

Evan Nepean married Margaret Skinner on June 6, 1782. They had eight children together. One of his sons, Rev. Canon Evan Nepean, became a Canon at Westminster Abbey. He also served as a special chaplain to Queen Victoria.

Evan Nepean's Career Journey

Evan Nepean started his career in the Royal Navy in 1773. He worked as a clerk and later became a purser, which meant he managed supplies and money.

Working for the Government

He became a secretary to Admiral Molyneux Shuldham during the American Revolutionary War. This was an important role during a time of conflict.

In 1782, at age 29, he got a big job in the government. He became the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. In this role, he was in charge of naval and political information. He even managed a network of spies across Europe.

He held many other important government jobs, including:

• Under-Secretary of State for War (1794)
• Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (1795–1804)
• Chief Secretary for Ireland (1804–1805)
• Commissioner of the Admiralty

Governor of Bombay

From 1812 to 1819, Sir Evan Nepean served as the Governor of Bombay. Bombay was an important city in India at that time, under British rule. This was a very high-ranking position.

Political Life

Sir Evan Nepean was also a Member of Parliament. He represented Queenborough from 1796 to 1802. Then he represented Bridport until 1812.

In 1802, he was given the title of baronet. This meant he was called "Sir" and his title could be passed down to his eldest son. In 1804, he became a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This group advises the King or Queen.

In 1820, he became a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. In 1822, he was appointed High Sheriff of Dorset. He passed away that same year at his home in Loders.

Places Named After Evan Nepean

Many places around the world are named after Sir Evan Nepean. This shows how important he was during his time.

• Australia:
  • The Nepean River in New South Wales
  • The Nepean Highway and Point Nepean in Victoria
  • Nepean Bay in South Australia
  • Nepean Island near Norfolk Island
• Canada:
  • The former city of Nepean, Ontario
  • Nepean Point
  • Nepean Bay
• India:
  • Nepean Road and Nepean Sea Road in Mumbai

Arms

Arms of Evan Nepean

Crest On a mount Vert a goat passant Sable charged on the side with two Ermine spots in fesse Or collared and horned Gold Escutcheon Gules a fesse wavy Erminois between three mullets Argent. Motto Respice (Look Back)