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Harry Burrard Neale facts for kids

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Sir Harry Burrard Neale, 2nd Bt
Admiral Sir Harry Burrard-Neale (1765–1840), 2nd Bt, by William Beechey HMP RNM 1981 77.jpg
Sir Harry Burrard Neale
Born 16 September 1765
Died 7 February 1840(1840-02-07) (aged 74)
Buried
Allegiance United Kingdom United Kingdom
Service/branch Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Navy
Rank Rear admiral
Commands held Mediterranean Fleet
Battles/wars American Revolutionary War
Napoleonic Wars
Awards Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George

Sir Harry Burrard Neale was an important officer in the Royal Navy, which is the British navy. He was also a Member of Parliament for Lymington. This means he helped make laws for the country. He was born in 1765 and passed away in 1840.

His father, William Burrard, was in charge of Yarmouth Castle on the Isle of Wight. Harry took over his uncle's special title, becoming the 2nd Baronet, in 1791. In 1795, he added the name "Neale" when he married Grace Neale.

Harry Burrard Neale's Naval Career

Harry Burrard started his journey in the Royal Navy in 1778. He was still quite young when he joined. He went to school at Christchurch Grammar School before this.

Early Battles and Mutiny

In 1780, he was part of the Siege of Charleston during the American Revolutionary War. This was a big fight where British forces tried to take control of Charleston in America.

Later, in 1797, Harry Burrard showed great courage during a difficult time. This was the mutiny at the Nore, when some sailors protested against their conditions. He stood out for his actions during this event.

Rising Through the Ranks

From 1804 to 1807, he was one of the Lords of the Admiralty. These were important people who helped manage the Royal Navy. He was promoted to rear-admiral on July 31, 1810.

He also took part in the Napoleonic Wars, a series of major conflicts in Europe. In 1806, he was on board HMS London during a naval battle.

Important Awards and Commands

Harry Burrard Neale received several high honors for his service. He became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1815. Later, in 1822, he was given an even higher honor, becoming a Knight Grand Cross of the same order.

In 1823, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet. This meant he was in charge of all British naval ships in the Mediterranean Sea. The next year, he was also made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Court-Martial Witness

In 1809, he was called to speak at a court-martial. This was like a trial for a naval officer. It was to decide if Admiral Lord Gambier had failed to support another officer, Lord Cochrane, during the Battle of the Basque Roads. Lord Gambier was later cleared of all charges.

Harry Burrard Neale's Political Life

Besides his naval career, Harry Burrard Neale was also involved in politics. He was a Member of Parliament for Lymington for many years. He served in this role from 1790 to 1802, then again from 1806 to 1807, from 1812 to 1823, and finally from 1832 to 1835.

He also worked for King George III as a Groom of the Bedchamber from 1801 to 1812. This was a personal attendant role in the King's household. He continued this role at Windsor Castle until 1820.

Personal Life and Legacy

Sir Harry Burrard Neale passed away in 1840 at the age of 74. He was buried in the church at Lymington. He did not have any children, so his brother, George, took over his title.

Places Named After Him

20201204 1436 Burrard statue on bridge (cropped)
A bust of Burrard by Charles Marega on Burrard Bridge, Vancouver

Even though Harry Burrard never visited British Columbia, his name is well-known there. Burrard Inlet was named in his honor by Captain George Vancouver in 1792. Captain Vancouver was exploring the Pacific Northwest at the time.

Later, when the city of Vancouver grew, a main street called Burrard Street was named after the inlet. This street then gave its name to Burrard Bridge, one of the big bridges connecting downtown Vancouver to its southern suburbs. Because of this, many other buildings and businesses in Vancouver also use the name "Burrard."

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