Sir Charles Rich, 3rd Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Rich, 3rd Baronet
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1680 |
| Died | 17 October 1706 |
| Buried |
St Margaret's Church, Westminster
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| Allegiance |  England |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Rank | Post Captain |
| Commands held | HMS Hunter HMS Feversham |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Vigo Bay |
Sir Charles Rich, 3rd Baronet (1680 – 17 October 1706) was an officer in the Royal Navy during the War of the Spanish Succession. He came from a well-known family and followed in his father's footsteps by joining the navy.
Contents
Sir Charles Rich was born in 1680. He was the oldest of four sons. His father was Sir Robert Rich, 2nd Baronet, who was a politician and also a high-ranking official in the navy. Charles decided to join the navy, just like his father.
Becoming a Lieutenant
Charles Rich started his naval career as a lieutenant. He received this rank on 9 January 1697. His first assignment was as the second lieutenant on a 60-gun ship called HMS Gloucester. The Admiralty, which was in charge of the navy, confirmed his rank on 24 March 1697.
Soon after, on 14 April 1697, he moved to a much larger ship. This was the 100-gun HMS Queen, where he served as the fifth lieutenant. He continued to gain experience by moving to other ships. On 25 November 1697, he became the first lieutenant on the 50-gun HMS Weymouth. Then, on 23 March 1698, he joined the 32-gun HMS Winchelsey. On 17 July 1699, Rich was appointed first lieutenant of the 48-gun HMS Advice.
Taking Over from His Father
On 25 September 1699, Sir Charles took on an important role. He became the Vice-Admiral of Suffolk. This happened just a few days before his father passed away on 1 October 1699. As his father's oldest son, Charles also inherited the family title. He became the third baronet, of London. Even with these new responsibilities, he chose to continue his career in the navy.
Rising Through the Ranks
Charles Rich kept moving up in the navy. On 28 February 1701, he became the second lieutenant on the 64-gun HMS Swiftsure. Later, on 1 December 1701, he transferred to the 70-gun HMS Lenox, again as second lieutenant.
Becoming a Commander
On 19 January 1702, Charles Rich was promoted to commander. He was given command of the 28-gun ship, HMS Hunter. He was the captain of this ship for a year. During this time, he gave up his role as Vice-Admiral of Suffolk on 8 July 1702.
Battle of Vigo Bay
Commander Rich and his ship, HMS Hunter, took part in a major battle. This was the Battle of Vigo Bay on 12 October 1702. In this battle, the English and Dutch navies fought against the French and Spanish. The allied fleet was led by Admirals George Rooke and Philips van Almonde.
Becoming a Post Captain
After the battle, Charles Rich was promoted again. He became a post captain. On 19 January 1703, he took command of the 32-gun ship, HMS Feversham. He remained in command of this ship until 17 October of that year.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Charles Rich passed away on 17 October 1706. He was only 26 years old. He was buried two days later, on 19 October 1706, at St Margaret's Church, Westminster. The church records noted that he was "Captain of the Feversham man of war." Sadly, there is no gravestone or memorial left for him today.
One old record suggests that he might have been captain of another ship, the 32-gun HMS Falcon, when he died. Since Sir Charles Rich did not have any children, his family title passed to his younger brother, Sir Robert Rich, 4th Baronet. His brother became a very successful army officer.
