Admiral of the Fleet Sir William Rowley KB was a Royal Navy officer and politician. He distinguished himself by his determination as commander of the vanguard at the Battle of Toulon in February 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession. He went on to be Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in August 1744 and successfully kept the Spanish and French fleets out of the Mediterranean area but was relieved of his command following criticism of his decision as presiding officer at a court-martial. Rowley later became a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty on the Board of Admiralty. He was a Member of Parliament for Taunton and then for Portsmouth.
- Occupation
- politician, naval officer, admiral, military personnel
- Position held
- member of the 11th Parliament of Great Britain, member of the 10th Parliament of Great Britain, First Sea Lord, First Sea Lord
- Citizenship
