Background
King was born in Gosport, the son of Curtis King and Mary Barnett.
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Richard King
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Career
He joined the Royal Navy in 1738 and served in HMS Berwick. In 1745 made a lieutenant in HMS Tiger and in 1756 he was promoted to commander of the fireship HMS Blaze. He took part in the capture of Calcutta in 1756 and commanded the landing party at the capture of Hoogly in 1757.
In 1763 he was given command of HMS Grafton and in 1770 he took over HMS Northumberland.
He went on to command HMS Pallas from 1778 and HMS Exeter from 1779. He was knighted in 1782 for his service near Madras, India.
Promoted Rear Admiral in 1787, he was appointed commander-in-chief of The Downs in 1790. In 1792 he became a baronet and was made commander-in-chief and governor of Newfoundland.
While King was in office France had declared war on Britain and King captured Saint Pierre and Miquelon for the British.
In 1794 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth and in 1795 he was promoted to Admiral.
Membership
1st United Kingdom Parliament. 17th Parliament of Great Britain. 18th Parliament of Great Britain]
Promoted Vice-Admiral in 1793, he became Member of Parliament for Rochester the same year.
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Born
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Died
November 7, 1806 (aged 76) -
Nationality
United Kingdom