#15106, George EDGCUMBE

George was the third son of the first Baron Edgcumbe.  He went to sea very young serving under Admiral Haddock.  He rose quickly to be captain of the 20-gun Kennington ond the 50-gun Salisbury.  Despite his naval responsibilities he was elected MP for Fowey and became Clerk to the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster.

He married Emma Gilbert, only child and heiress to John Gilbert DD, Archbishop of York (who died 3 days later) and they had one son, Richard.

His naval career blossomed as he was appointed Admiral of the Blue, Red and finally White.  In 1761, following his older brother's death he had succeeded to the title and become the 3rd Baron Edgcumbe.  His civic duties expanded as he became Lord Lieutenent of Cornwall and Custos Rotulorum, a Doctor of Civil Law at Oxford, a Fellow of the Society of Artists and a Fellow of the Royal Society

Following the threat of French or Spanish invasion, known as the Armada of 1779, it was decided to construct 5 redoubts on Edgcumbe land on the Maker peninsular, to construct Cawsand Fort and to cut down hundreds of trees.  It is said that it was in compensation for his cooperation that he was created Viscount Edgcumbe and Valletort on 5th March 1781.  In 1789 King George III and Queen Charlotte visited Mount Edgcumbe during a visit to Plymouth when they had been staying at Saltram.  Lady Emma wrote "You have no idea what a most amazing sight it is; 30 ships of the line lying under a terrace of shrubs, as if only to ornament our park." 

Lady Emma Edgcumbe was an accomplished musician and at her death was the "oldest and most partial musical friend" of Dr Burney, the musical historian and father of Fanny Burney.  Sadly her musical talent was not matched by her handwriting which was said to be illegible.