Born: Thomas Bertie was born Thomas Hoar on 3rd July 1758 in Stockton-on-Tees. He was the fourth son of George Hoar of London (formerly of County Durham) and Frances Sleigh of Stockton. His father was Keeper of the Regalia at the Tower of London.
Educated: Thomas attended a private navigation school in Stockton, Mr. Eaton’s academy in London and Christ’s Hospital, London
Married: On 20th May 1788 Thomas Hoar married Catherine Bertie, daughter of Peregrine Bertie of Low Layton, Essex. Thomas assumed his wife’s surname in accordance with her father’s will.
Family: Admiral Bertie made no mention of children in his will.
Home: It is said that Thomas Bertie spent 25 years of his life at sea.
Known for: Thomas Bertie is known for his eventful naval career, which saw him rise to the rank of admiral and earned him a knighthood. As a captain and later a commander and an admiral in the Royal Navy Thomas Bertie was involved in several sea battles. He was friendly with Horatio Nelson for many years. He was promoted to commander in 1782 and in 1788 he is credited with the introduction of life-buoys in the Royal Navy. His most famous naval action was as commander of H.M.S. Ardent at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801 where he captured three enemy ships. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1808, Vice Admiral in 1813, and Admiral in 1825. He was knighted in 1813.
Died: Admiral Sir Thomas Bertie died at his brother’s house, Twyford Lodge in Hampshire, on 13th June 1825 and was buried in the parish church at Twyford.
Further Information: Dictionary of National Biography
“The Naval Gazetteer, Biographer and Chronologist” J.W.Norrie (1827)