Edward Vernon
| Edward Vernon | |
|---|---|
Admiral Edward "Old Grog" Vernon. Portrait by Thomas Gainsborough
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| Nickname(s) | "Old Grog" |
| Born |
12 November 1684 Westminster, London, England |
| Died | 30 October 1757 (aged 72) Nacton, Suffolk, England |
| Allegiance |
 Kingdom of England Kingdom of Great Britain
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| Service/branch |
 Royal Navy
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| Years of service | 1700–1746 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | |
| Other work | |
Admiral Edward Vernon ("Old Grog") (12 November 1684 – 30 October 1757) was an English naval officer. Vernon was born in Westminster and went to Westminster School. He joined the Royal Navy in 1700 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1702. After five years as Lieutenant, he was appointed Captain in 1706. His first command was the HMS Rye, part of the fleet of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell.
Vernon had a long and distinguished career, rising to the rank of Admiral after 46 years service. He fought during the War of the Spanish Succession, rising to the rank of post-captain and commanding the West Indies Station. During the War of Jenkins' Ear Vernon was a Rear Admiral and commanded the Jamaica Station. In 1739 he was responsible for the capture of Porto Bello, seen as expunging the failure of Admiral Hosier there in a previous conflict. However, a later operation against Cartagena de Indias was the greatest defeat of the Royal Navy ever.
Vernon served as MP on three occasions and was out-spoken on naval matters in Parliament, making him a controversial figure.
The origin of the name "grog" for rum diluted with water is attributed to Vernon. He was known for wearing coats made of grogram cloth, earning him the nickname of Old Grog, which in turn came to mean diluted rum. The use of citrus juice helped to avoid scurvy. Mount Vernon, the home of the first American president George Washington, was named after Vernon, since Washington's elder brother served under Edward Vernon, and gave it his name.
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