Richard Bolitho Novels
By Alexander Kent
May 7, 2009 Cheney Anne Markun
Richard Bolitho is the main character in a series of novels written by Alexander Kent. The series follows his life, from Midshipman to Admiral, as he serves in the British navy between 1772 and 1815. Although fictional, the life of Richard is very similar to that of Lord Horatio Nelson, with both being renowned as heroes by the British people for their victories over England’s enemies and daring exploits but also featuring highly in gossip columns of the day for their personal lives.
Early Life in Falmouth and the Bolitho Family
Born in 1756 in Falmouth, Cornwall, Richard was the youngest son (he has an older brother, Hugh, and two sisters) of the renowned sea faring Bolitho family. The family has a history with the sea which stretches back for generations so there was little doubt that he would enter the service himself. The first ship he served in was the Gorgon, as a midshipman aged twelve in 1772 and from there he soon rose through the ranks, taking command of his first ship, the sloop of war Sparrow, in 1778.
Personal Life and Scandal
Richard met his first wife whilst commanding HMS Hyperion, a ship which came to have great personal significance to him when she died only months after their wedding in a coach accident. Distraught at her sudden death, Richard suffered one of his lowest periods as he tried to come to terms with his loss whilst still maintaining his command. His second marriage was to a woman who, whilst aesthetically very similar to his late wife was entirely different as a person. After the birth of their only child, Elizabeth, the relationship soon deteriorated as Richard struggled to come to terms with her materialistic ways and desire to move from the family estate in Cornwall to the cold and bustling city of London, which he despised. Following the demise of the marriage he began an affair with his beloved Lady Catherine Somerville which would last until his death in 1815. Although Richard considered Catherine to be his wife in all but name, their union was the subject of much gossip in the tabloids of the day in a way similar to Nelson and his Lady Hamilton.
Naval Career and Reputation
Throughout his career Richard was well known for his tough but fair approach to the men he commanded and was often referred to by them as “Equality Dick”. Always leading from the front, he inspired a huge loyalty in the men he served with and many of them chose to serve with him again whenever the chance arose. The series covers England’s wars with the French and the Americans, as well as the struggle against privateers and slavery with Richard being present in almost all of the periods major campaigns.
Adam Bolitho and the Future
Richards older brother Hugh disgraced the Bolitho family when he defected to the Americans during their fight for independence and his actions would cast a long shadow over Richards own career. Unbeknownst to Hugh he fathered a son, Adam, with a woman in Cornwall. Following her death the boy travelled across the county to find his true family, where he was warmly welcomed by Richards sister and sent to sea to serve with his uncle. Richard soon comes to view Adam like a son but his similarities to his quick tempered father cause him to fear that his blossoming naval career may be cut short. Following Richards death in battle, the series carries on with Adam as the main character.
Books by Alexander Kent
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