The holder of the post Vice-Admiral of Devon[1] was responsible for the defence of the
county of Devon, England.
History
As a Vice-Admiral, the post holder was the chief of naval administration for his district. His responsibilities included pressing men for naval service, deciding the lawfulness of
prizes (captured by
privateers), dealing with salvage claims for wrecks and acting as a
judge.
The earliest record of an appointment was of
George Basset 1558.
In 1863 the Registrar of the
Admiralty Court stated that the offices had 'for many years been purely honorary' (HCA 50/24 pp. 235-6). Appointments were made by the
Lord High Admiral when this officer existed. When the admiralty was in commission appointments were made by the crown by letters patent under the seal of the admiralty court.[2]
Vice-Admirals of Devon
This is a list of people who have been Vice-Admiral of
Devon. Between 1603 and 1623, a separate command existed for North Devon.