Nancy Perriam

Nancy Perriam
Birth nameAnn Letton
Other name(s)Ann Perriam
BornApril 1769
Exmouth, Devon
DiedJanuary 24, 1865(1865-01-24) (aged 95)
Exmouth, Devon
Buried
Littleham, Devon
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchRoyal Navy
Years of service1795–
UnitHMS Crescent
HMS Orion
Battles / wars
Spouse(s)
Edward Hopping
(m. 1788⁠–⁠1802)
John Perriam
(m. 1805)
Other workFish seller

Nancy Perriam (April 1769 – January 24, 1865) was an English woman who served in Royal Navy warships during the Napoleonic Wars. Born Ann Letton and also known as Ann Perriam, she originated from Exmouth, Devon. She fought in several notable naval battles, including the Battle of the Nile in 1798, serving as a powder monkey and medical assistant. When not in battle she assisted with the domestic needs of officers. In retirement Perriam worked as a street seller of fish; she was one of three women denied the Naval General Service Medal in 1847 because of their sex.