VERNON, Edward (1684-1757), of Nacton, nr. Ipswich, Suff.

An excellent seaman, a courageous commander, and popular with his men, Vernon impeded rather than furthered his naval career by his incursions into politics. Struck off the list of flag officers in 1746, henceforth he was merely a picturesque and turbulent politician, embarrassing even to his friends. He cultivated an interest at Ipswich ‘at an immense expense and unspeakable trouble’,Halifax to Newcastle, 5 Nov. 1757, Add. 32875, ff. 405-6. and in 1754 headed the poll after a stiff contest. Classed by Dupplin as belonging to the Opposition, he voted against the subsidy treaties on 13 Nov. 1755. Of his speech on that occasion, Horace Walpole wrote:Mems. Geo. II, ii. 61.‘The attention of the House was entirely put an end to, as it generally was, by Admiral Vernon.’ The erstwhile firebrand had become a bore. He died 30 Oct. 1757.