Hawke of Lowton, Edward, Baron Hawke of Lowton (1705–1781)

English admiral of the fleet. He joined the navy 1720 and became a commander in 1733. In 1744 he distinguished himself in the action off Toulon, commanding the Berwick. In 1747 he became a rear-admiral and gained a victory over the French off Finisterre. For this service he was knighted and he became member of Parliament for Portsmouth in the same year. He became an admiral in 1757. His reputation was enhanced in 1759 after his attack on Marshal de Conflan in Quiberon Bay, which resulted in the destruction of the French fleet and the collapse of their invasion scheme. In 1766 he became first lord of the Admiralty and was made Baron Hawke. He was born in London, England.