English Admiral: The Earl of Warwick (Robert Rich)

Robert Rich, the Earl of Warwick served in the Parliamentarian navy during the English Civil War, and in the navy before that. In 1642, he was Admiral, with his flag in the 2nd Rate James, in the Summer Guard. From 1642 to 1643, he flew his flag from the 2nd Rate Henrietta Marie, and was in the Winter Guard for 1642. In 1643, he was Lord High Admiral, with his flag on the 1st Rate Prince Royal (later renamed Resolution), in command of the Summer Guard. From 1644 to 1645, his flagship was the 2nd Rate James (50 guns and a crew of 260 men) again. He was Admiral of the Summer Guard in 1644. In May 1644, he arrived at Lyme with a squadron bringing supplies for the Parliamentarian forces. The Earl inspected the place, after the end of the siege. He was also present at Taunton in June. In 1648, he was still Lord High Admiral, with his flag on the 2nd Rate St. George. After the revolt in 1648, when many ships went over to the Royalists, he blockaded the Royalists at Hellevoetsluis. The Earl of Warwick was suspected of plotting treason, although it was actually William Batten who was doing so. He could not stay on, as he opposed the execution of King Charles I, and supported negotiations. He was replaced by the appointment of the Generals-at-Sea. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.
3. J. R. Powell, The Navy in the English Civil War, 1962.