Rear Admiral James Noble 1774 - 1851

[RodEast]

I am seeking information if anyone knows where I may get a copy of a portrait of Rear Admiral James Noble assuming one exists.

[GrahamSimons]

He doesn't appear in the NPG's catalogue.

Worth contacting http://www.royalnavalmuseum.org/research_images.htm - the website explains that the catalogue is not on line, but it does include "Horatio Nelson and his Navy" which would fit neatly with Noble's career and role at Cape St Vincent.

[KGarrad]

When he died he was Vice Admiral of the Red.

TNA has his will:
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/details/D4642?descriptiontype=Full&ref=PROB+11/2142/229

Can't see a portrait, though?

[RodEast]

Forgive my ignorance but what does Vice Admiral of the Red mean

[KGarrad]

The English/British Navy was organised into squadrons, each flying a different ensign:

Red ensign
White ensign
Blue ensign

in order of seniority.

Each squadron had an Admiral, a Vice-Admiral, and a Rear-Admiral.

So, the order of ranks was:

    Admiral of the red (admiral of the fleet)
    Admiral of the white
    Admiral of the blue
    Vice admiral of the red
    Vice admiral of the white
    Vice admiral of the blue
    Rear admiral of the red
    Rear admiral of the white
    Rear admiral of the blue[/li]


Ranks were held for life, so the only means of promotion was when an incumbent died or resigned!

The London Gazette has details of James Noble's promotions.

[KGarrad]

For example:

London Gazette, issue 20760, 30th July 1847. Page 5
Admiralty, 26th July 1847.

The following promotions, have this day taken place, consequent upon the death of Admiral John Erskine Douglas :

Admiral of the White Robert Dudley Oliver to be Admiral of the Red.
Admiral of the Blue Sir Robert Laurie, Bart. K. C.B. to be Admiral of the White.
Vice Admiral of the Red John Mackellar to be Admiral of the Blue.
Vice Admiral of the White Frederic WatTen to be Vice Admiral of the Red.
Vice Admiral of the Blue James Noble to be Vice Admiral of the White.
Rear Admiral ot the Red Matthew Godwin to be Vice Admiral of the Blue.
Rear Admiral of the White Sir George Francis Seymour, Knt. C.B. G.C.H. to be Rear Admiral of the Red.
Rear Admiral of the Blue Charles Gordon, C.B. to be Rear Admiral of the White.
Captain Sir Thomas Fellowes, Knt. C.B. to beRear Admiral of the Blue.

A similar set of promotions, dated 9th October 1849, can be seen in issue 21028, including:
Vice-Admiral of the White, James Noble, to be Vice-Admiral of the Red.

[RodEast]

I am grateful for the information and I have downloaded the will of James Noble.  However, as I am severely prtially sighted I cannot decipher most of it and need a big favour if anyone is willing to help.  Could someone give me a transcript in modern type so that I can read it.  I attach the document.
Many thanks
Rod Eastham

[Jane Masri]

Hi Rod,
It might be a good idea to move your request over to the Decipering board  http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,425.0.html   There are some good eyes over there    If you decide to do that, modify your Sussex request to say that it's been put on the other board, that way the work wont get duplicated,

Jane

[RodEast]

I have taken your advice and forwarded the Will to the Recognition and deciphering section.  Many thanks
Rod Eastham