Sir William Rowley | |
|---|---|
&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Williamrowley.jpg) Sir William Rowley | |
| Born | 1690 |
| Died | 1 January 1768 (aged 77–78) |
| Buried | St Mary's Church, Stoke-by-Nayland |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |  Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1704–1768 |
| Rank | Admiral of the Fleet |
| Commands | HMS Bideford HMS Lively HMS Barfleur Mediterranean Fleet |
| Battles/wars | War of the Austrian Succession |
| Awards | Knight of the Order of the Bath |
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Admiral of the Fleet Sir William Rowley KB (c. 1690 – 1 January 1768) was a Royal Navy officer. He distinguished himself by his determination as commander of the vanguard at the Battle of Toulon in February 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession. He went on to be Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in August 1744 and successfully kept the Spanish and French fleets out of the Mediterranean area but was relieved of his command following criticism of his decision as presiding officer at a court-martial.
Rowley later became a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty on the Board of Admiralty. He was a Member of Parliament for Taunton and then for Portsmouth.