Admiral of the Fleet George Anson (1697 – 1762)
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Admiral George Anson was a British naval officer who is best known for his circumnavigation of the globe and his victory over a Spanish fleet during the War of Jenkins' Ear. Anson was born in Staffordshire, England, and entered the Royal Navy at the age of 17. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 1737, he had been appointed commander of the HMS Centurion.
In 1740, Anson was sent on a mission to attack Spanish ports in South America and intercept Spanish treasure ships. He sailed from England with a fleet of six ships, but due to illness, mutiny, and other setbacks, he lost most of his men and ships during the journey. Anson and his crew persevered, however, and he managed to capture a Spanish galleon carrying a vast amount of silver.
After returning to England in 1744, Anson was celebrated as a hero and was promoted to the rank of rear admiral. He went on to serve as a member of Parliament and as First Lord of the Admiralty. Anson also played a role in the Seven Years' War, serving as commander-in-chief of the British fleet in the West Indies.
Anson's legacy extends beyond his naval achievements, as he was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He was a member of the Royal Society and was known for his support of exploration and scientific research. Anson's voyages inspired a generation of British sailors and explorers, and his influence can still be seen in British naval traditions today.
