John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, facing right in blue coat with gold-bordered white facings, white waistcoat with gold buttons and frilled cravat, powdered hair, wearing the breast star and red sash of the Order of Bath

John Jervis (1735-1823), admiral of the fleet was the second son of Swynfen Jervis, barrister-at-law and Elizabeth, sister of Sir Thomas Parker, lord chief baron of the exchequer. His father was appointed solicitor to the admirality in 1747 and John entered the navy as an able seaman on board the Gloucester in 1748/49. He rose up the ranks quickly and became a lieutenant in 1755 and so distinguished himself in the Quebec expedition of 1759 that he was made commander. In 1778 he fought in the action of Brest and in 1782 he captured the Pégase of 74 guns. In 1793 he commanded a successful expedition against the French in the West Indies. In 1795, now admiral he commanded the Mediterranean fleet. He intercepted the French, Dutch and Spanish fleets off Cape St. Vincent whilst they were preparing to invade England and completely defeated them. He was created Earl St. Vincent but was forced by ill-health to give up command and return home in 1799. He was first lord of the admiralty from 1801-1804 and reformed many misuses.