Sir Thomas Pye | |
|---|---|
 Pye in a memorial he dedicated to his father Henry c. 1762, at All Saints' Church, Faringdon | |
| Born | c. 1708 |
| Died | 26 December 1785 (aged 76–77) Suffolk Street, London |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service | Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1734– 1783 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands | HMS Seaford HMS Norfolk HMS Norwich HMS Humber HMS Gosport HMS Advice Leeward Islands Station |
| Battles / wars | |
Sir Thomas Pye (c. 1708 – 26 December 1785) was an admiral of the Royal Navy who served during the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War, and the American War of Independence. He was briefly Member of Parliament for Rochester, and served as commander of several of the navy's principal stations and ports.
Born into a family with powerful political connections, Pye used these to rise rapidly through the ranks, and to receive employments in periods of peace. He commanded a number of ships during the War of the Austrian Succession, and was appointed commander-in-chief in the Leeward Islands, but a fit of temper when he was superseded almost cost him his career. Charged with disobeying orders and other infractions, Pye returned to Britain, where he was able to use his connections, and the absence of the experienced naval officers, to ensure a lenient outcome to his court martial. Despite this he remained unemployed during the Seven Years' War, though he reached flag rank.
Pye did not receive active postings until the end of the Seven Years' War, when he commanded several of the navy's dockyards, and even returned to the Leeward Islands to take up his old post. A brief foray into politics proved lacklustre, he made no impact in parliament, and alienated his constituents. His position as commander-in-chief at Portsmouth during the American War of Independence brought the opportunity for rewards. The fleet was reviewed by the King, and Pye received promotion and a knighthood. He retired after the end of the war and died two years later. He had conducted a long-running affair with the novelist Anna Maria Bennett, and left two children by her, including a daughter who became the famous actress Harriet Pye Bennett.