VERNON, Edward (1684-1757), of Nacton, nr. Ipswich, Suff.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

1722 - 1734
21 Feb. - 27 Apr. 1741
1741 - 30 Oct. 1757

Family and Education

b. 12 Nov. 1684, 2nd s. of Rt. Hon. James Vernon, M.P., sec. of state 1696-1700, by Mary, da. of Sir John Buck, 1st Bt., of Hamby Grange, Lincs.; uncle of Charles and Francis Vernon.  educ. Westminster 1692-1700.  m. c.1729, Sarah, da. of Thomas Best of Chatham, 3s. d.v.p.

Offices Held

Entered R.N. 1700; capt. 1706; v.-adm. 1739; adm. 1745.

Biography

An excellent seaman, a courageous commander, and popular with his men, Vernon impeded rather than furthered his naval career by his incursions into politics. Struck off the list of flag officers in 1746, henceforth he was merely a picturesque and turbulent politician, embarrassing even to his friends. He cultivated an interest at Ipswich ‘at an immense expense and unspeakable trouble’,1 and in 1754 headed the poll after a stiff contest. Classed by Dupplin as belonging to the Opposition, he voted against the subsidy treaties on 13 Nov. 1755. Of his speech on that occasion, Horace Walpole wrote:2‘The attention of the House was entirely put an end to, as it generally was, by Admiral Vernon.’ The erstwhile firebrand had become a bore.  He died 30 Oct. 1757.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Sir Lewis Namier

Notes

  • 1. Halifax to Newcastle, 5 Nov. 1757, Add. 32875, ff. 405-6.
  • 2. Mems. Geo. II, ii. 61.