Joseph Jordan (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Sir Joseph Jordan (born around 1603, died 1685) was an important naval officer and admiral. He came from a family who owned ships on the River Thames. He was first known for bringing tobacco from places like Nevis and Barbados on his ship, the Amity.
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Serving in the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, a big conflict in England, Joseph Jordan joined the navy that supported Parliament. In 1642, he commanded a merchant ship called the Caesar. He helped patrol the seas that summer. Later that year, he was involved in capturing castles near the Isle of Wight.
In 1643, he became a rear-admiral, a high-ranking officer, protecting Ireland. The next year, he was active near the Channel Islands. He also helped to free towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth from attacks.
Loyalty to Parliament
Jordan stayed loyal to Parliament during a navy rebellion in 1648. In February 1649, he signed a letter praising the army and Parliament. This letter thanked them for bringing back freedom to the country.
After the Civil War
After a short time away, Jordan returned to the navy in 1650. He became a senior officer during the First Anglo-Dutch War. In April 1655, he joined an important trip with Admiral Robert Blake. They went to fight against Algiers and Tunis.
Second Anglo-Dutch War
Jordan was called back to service in 1664. He served as a senior officer in the Second Anglo-Dutch War, which lasted from 1665 to 1667. After the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, he was made a knight. This meant he was now called "Sir" Joseph Jordan.
Key Battles
In June 1666, he was a rear-admiral in the Red squadron. He fought alongside George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle in the Four Days Battle. This was a long battle that didn't have a clear winner. Later, in July 1666, he was a vice-admiral of the Red squadron. He helped lead the navy to victory in the St. James's Day Battle.
Third Anglo-Dutch War
In the Third Anglo-Dutch War, from 1672 to 1674, Sir Joseph Jordan was a vice-admiral of the Blue squadron. He led the fleet into action in his ship, HMS Sovereign of the Seas, which had 100 guns. This happened during the Battle of Solebay on May 28, 1672.
Battle of Solebay Controversy
During this battle, Admiral Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich died on his ship, HMS Royal James. Some people claimed that Sir Joseph Jordan had made choices during the battle that put Admiral Montagu in danger. They thought he might have done this to protect another important person, the Duke of York, who later became James II of England.
Retirement
After the war, Sir Joseph Jordan was given money to live on. He then retired from the navy and lived a quiet life.
