List of vice-admirals of Northumberland facts for kids
Northumberland, a county in the northeast of England, has a long coastline. Because of this, it was very important to have someone in charge of protecting its shores and managing sea activities. This person was called the Vice-Admiral of the Coast for Northumberland.
What Was a Vice-Admiral of Northumberland?
A Vice-Admiral of the Coast was a special officer appointed by the King or Queen. Their main job was to look after the sea and coastal areas for the Crown. Think of them as a top naval officer for a specific part of the coastline, long before modern navies existed.
Their duties included many important tasks:
- Protecting the Coast: They helped defend the coast from enemies or pirates.
- Dealing with Shipwrecks: If a ship was wrecked, they were in charge of salvaging goods and making sure everything was handled properly.
- Controlling Trade: They helped manage shipping and trade along the coast, making sure taxes were paid and rules were followed.
- Naval Support: They could help gather ships and sailors for the Royal Navy when needed.
- Law and Order at Sea: They dealt with crimes committed at sea or along the coast.
This role was very powerful and important for coastal regions like Northumberland, which faced the North Sea and had busy ports.
Important People Who Held This Role
Many notable figures served as Vice-Admiral of Northumberland over several centuries. These individuals were often powerful nobles or knights with strong connections to the Crown. They played a key part in the maritime history of the region.
Here is a list of some of the people who held this important position:
- Reginald Beseley (1559–?) - He also served in other nearby coastal areas.
- William Grey, 13th Baron Grey de Wilton (1561–1562)
- Thomas Foster (1563) - He served jointly with John Carvell.
- John Carvell (1563)
- Valentine Browne (1563–1564) - He held the role again later.
- Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford (1564–1566)
- Valentine Browne (1568–1574) - He also served as Vice-Admiral for Durham and Westmorland.
- Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon (1575–1596) - A very long service, also covering other northern counties.
- Sir Richard Mompesson (1596–1604)
- Sir George Hume (1604–1611)
- Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (1611–1640) - Another long-serving Vice-Admiral for several northern counties.
- Sir John Delaval (1640–1641)
- Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle (1661–1685) - He also served for Durham, Cumberland, and Westmorland.
- John Sheffield, 3rd Earl of Mulgrave (1687–1689)
- Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough (1689–1703)
- Mark Shafto (1703–1709)
- Sir John Delaval, 3rd Baronet (1709–1729)
- Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland (1755–1786)
- Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland (1786–1817)
- Hugh Percy, 3rd Duke of Northumberland (1822–1847)
Why Was This Role Important?
The role of Vice-Admiral of Northumberland was vital for the safety and prosperity of the county. These individuals were responsible for enforcing maritime law and protecting the coast from threats. Their work helped ensure that trade could continue safely and that the region's sea borders were secure. Over time, as the Royal Navy grew stronger, the local Vice-Admiral roles became less about direct military command and more about ceremonial duties or managing specific coastal affairs.
