Cosby, Admiral Philipps National Historic Person

Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Admiral Philipps Cosby (© Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1939-568)
Admiral Philipps Cosby
(© Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1939-568)
Address : Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1945-05-16
Life Date: 1727 to 1808

Other Name(s):
  • Cosby, Admiral Philipps  (Designation Name)

Importance: Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean (1786-90)

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Philipps Cosby was born at Annapolis Royal, where his father was lieutenant-governor of the town. Entering the Royal Navy in 1745, he was present at the capture of Louisbourg in 1758, and Quebec in 1759. During the American Revolution, Cosby played a conspicuous role in the naval phase of the Yorktown campaign, and was subsequently given command of the Mediterranean fleet. From 1794 till 1801 he headed the impress service in Ireland, and retired with the rank of full admiral. He died at Bath, England.