Author Results for Peter le Fevre
Note: A Possible Authorship for the ‘Memorandum on the Marine Regiments’ 1690
The authorship and date of a document discovered in the archives of State Papers Domestic is explored, with the Earl of Torrington himself credited. Read More
Filed under: Other (Early Modern) | Other (location)
Subjects include: Administration
‘It will be a Charge to the King with No Effect’: the Failed Attempt to Burn the Algerine Fleet in 1679
In 1679, four escaped prisoners proposed a plan to burn the corsair fleet at anchor in Algiers harbour. Charles II agreed. Two men-of-war, a sloop and two fire barks sailed from Cadiz for Algiers, via Tangiers. At Tangiers, the ships’ companies fought the Moors. Then, off Algiers, attempts were made to bring the fire barks […] Read More
Filed under: Early Modern | Mediterranean
Subjects include: Harbours & Dockyards | Pirates, Corsairs & Privateers
Note: The Duke of Grafton’s Fighting Instructions of 1687
The fighting and sailing instructions issued to his little fleet are only in part the Duke’s own work, as they are built on York’s Fighting Instructions and indicate that some flexibility was necessary in the Mediterranean. They reinforce the requirement that every captain should know the relevant parts of the instructions issued by his commander-in-chief. Read More
Filed under: Other (Early Modern) | Mediterranean
Subjects include: Battles & Tactics
Note: The Gillkicker Seamark
Evidence is examined as to whether this seamark and its backmark the Kickergill was erected in the seventeenth century, or earlier. Read More
Filed under: English Channel | Other (Early Modern)
Subjects include: Miscellaneous
‘Meer Laziness’ or Incompetence: the Earl of Torrington and the Battle of Beachy Head
Mr Lee would have us believe that Torrington was not a scapegoat but, by his behaviour at Beachy Head, he was entirely responsible for the outcome. Torrington, Mr Lee suggests was prepared to let the Dutch be destroyed, because it was revenge for the defeats at the Four Days Battle in 1666 and Texel in […] Read More
Filed under: English Channel | Nine Years' War
Subjects include: Battles & Tactics | Navies | Ship Handling & Seamanship | Strategy & Diplomacy
The Earl of Torrington’s Court Marshal, 10 December 1690
Arthur, Earl of Torrington was court-marshalled, and acquitted, on 10 December 1690 for refusing to fight a French fleet off Beachy Head. At the time the court-marshal proved contentious, as it was conducted before a judge advocate and twenty-seven captains, most of whom were friends of or owed allegiance to Torrington. Though found innocent of […] Read More
Filed under: English Channel | Nine Years' War
Subjects include: Administration | Navies
Jasper Churchill: another Naval Churchill
Born in 1659, Oxford educated, Jasper Churchill chose to serve in the Mediterranean flagship at Tangier. He fought with the garrison against the moors, went on anti-corsair cruises and became second lieutenant of the Bristol. The commander-in-chief sought peace with the Algerians and Churchill delivered the letter. The flagship sailed without response, returning six weeks […] Read More
Filed under: Early Modern | Mediterranean
Subjects include: Biography | Navies | Pirates, Corsairs & Privateers | Strategy & Diplomacy
The Dispute over the Golden Horse of Algiers
Details the taking of the Golden Horse of Algiers in 1681 and subsequent public dispute between the British captains involved: William Booth, of the Adventure, and Francis Wheeler, of the frigate Nonsuch. Adventure had fought with Golden Horse over several hours whereas Nonsuch arrived late in the affair, perhaps under false colors, to complete the […] Read More
Filed under: Other (Early Modern) | Mediterranean
Subjects include: Administration | Battles & Tactics | Biography
Tangier, the Navy and its Connnection with the Glorious Revolution of 1688
This article centres on the influence Admiral Arthur Herbert exerted on the events that culminated in William of Orange replacing James II on the English throne. Tangier, England’s largest outstation at the time, had by 1680, a large garrison and an even larger fleet commanded by Herbert, who ironically, although he owed his appointment to […] Read More
Filed under: Dutch Wars | Mediterranean
Subjects include: Biography | Navies | Strategy & Diplomacy
John Tyrrell (1646-1692): a Restoration Navy Captain
This article gives a detailed insight into the life of John Tyrrell, following archaeological investigations of the third rate ship Anne, the only English loss in the battle of Beachy Head, 1690, under Tyrrell’s command. His full career, ship commands and engagements are cited, including his dealings with Pepys and the Navy Board. Read More
Filed under: English Channel | Nine Years' War
Subjects include: Battles & Tactics | Biography | Historic Vessels, Museums & Restoration
Note: Another False Misrepresentation
Acceptance of the ‘fact’ that Arthur Herbert had been in command of Pembroke in 1667 is rejected in favour of a closer look at the sources. Read More
Filed under: English Channel | Other (Early Modern)
Subjects include: Biography
Sir George Ayscue, Commonwealth and Restoration Admiral
Biography of the career of Sir George Ayscue (c.1615 – 1672). Provides an account of his service on the Parliamentarian side during the English Civil War, including his role at the siege of Pendennis Castle, actions around the Scilly Islands in the Irish Sea, and service in the Caribbean as Governor of Barbados. Also covers […] Read More
Filed under: English Civil War | English Channel | Dutch Wars | Irish Sea | Caribbean
Subjects include: Battles & Tactics | Biography