Background
He was born in 1653 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom. He was the son of a tanner in Shrewsbury.
He was born in 1653 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom. He was the son of a tanner in Shrewsbury.
Benbow entered the Royal Navy on 30 April 1678, aged 25 years. He became master's mate aboard the 64-gun HMS Rupert under the command of Captain Arthur Herbert, whilst she was fitting out at Portsmouth. When trading to the Mediterranean in 1686 in a ship of his own he beat off a Salli pirate.
On the accession of William III he re-entered the navy as a lieutenant and was rapidly promoted.
It is probable that he enjoyed the protection of Arthur Herbert, earl of Torrington, under whom he had already served in the Mediterranean.
After taking part in the bombardment of St Malo (1693), and superintending the blockade of Dunkirk (1696), he sailed in 1698 for the West Indies, where he compelled the Spaniards to restore two vessels belonging to the Scottish colonists at Darien, which they had seized.
In 1701 he was sent again to the West Indies as commander-in-chief.
On the 19th of August 1702, when cruising with a squadron of seven ships, he sighted, and chased, four French vessels commanded by M. du Casse near Santa Marta.
Benbow's captains were mutinous, and he was left unsupported in his flagship the "Breda. "
His right leg was shattered by a chain-shot, despite which he remained on the quarter-deck till morning, when the flagrant disobedience of the captains under him, and the disabled condition of his ship, forced him reluctantly to abandon the chase.
A great deal of legendary matter has collected round his name, and his life is really obscure.
Benbow fought against France during the Nine Years War (1688–97), against Algerian pirates, took part in the battles of Beachy Head, Barfleur and La Hogue in 1690 and 1692.
Benbow's fame led to his name entering popular culture. A monument by sculptor John Evan Thomas was erected in 1843 by public subscription in St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury.
Benbow married a woman named Martha (died 1722) after his return to England in 1681. The couple had at least seven children.
