Edward Vernon
A swashbuckling admiral whose capture of Portobelo made him a national hero, only to see his reputation sink after a catastrophic defeat at Cartagena.
1684–1757 (age 73)·British naval officer·Birthday: November 12
Biography
Edward Vernon captured the Spanish treasure port of Portobelo, Panama, in 1739 with a daring, near-bloodless assault. The victory electrified the British public. His nickname 'Old Grog,' from his grogram cloak, became a household term. Streets and pubs were named in his honor. The triumph was overshadowed by the disastrous 1741 campaign against Cartagena de Indias. That failed siege featured disease, dissent, and heavy losses that shattered his force and standing. Beyond commands, he served as a combative Member of Parliament, criticizing naval administration and advocating for sailors' welfare. His legacy mixes brilliant success, crushing failure, and influence on naval politics.
#1 When Edward Was Born
The biggest hits of 1684
Edward's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1684Born
1689Started school
1697Became a teenager
1700Could drive
1702Could vote
1705Turned 21
1714Turned 30
1724Turned 40
1734Turned 50
1744Turned 60
1754Turned 70
1757Died at 73
Key Achievements
- Led the successful and nearly uncontested capture of the Spanish port of Portobelo in 1739.
- Served as a Member of Parliament on three occasions, vocally campaigning for naval reforms.
- His popular nickname 'Old Grog' became the origin of the term 'grog' for watered-down rum issued to sailors.
- Authored numerous pamphlets and speeches that influenced contemporary debates on maritime strategy.
Did You Know?
The rum mixture he ordered for sailors, diluted with water and lime, was named 'grog' after his nickname.
Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington, was named by Washington's half-brother in honor of the admiral.
He was known for wearing a cloak made of grogram, a coarse fabric, which inspired his nickname.
Portobello Road in London is named after his victory at Portobelo.
“I took Porto Bello with six ships only.”
