George St Lo, Royal Navy officer and administrator (d. 1718)

George St Lo, sometimes rendered as St Loe, was a notable figure in late 17th and early 18th century Britain, navigating a career that blended active service as an officer in the Royal Navy with a significant foray into politics and naval administration. Born on 19 April 1655, his life spanned an era of considerable geopolitical flux, marked by major conflicts like the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession, which profoundly shaped British naval power. His journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, concluded with his passing on 20 September 1718.

A Distinguished Naval Career

St Lo embarked upon his naval career with determination, diligently serving in the Mediterranean on various ships. Through his demonstrated competence and dedication, he steadily climbed the ranks of the Royal Navy, eventually earning the esteemed position of captain, complete with his own command. This was a significant achievement in an era when naval service was fraught with peril and required both skill and leadership. However, his early career was not without its share of challenges and controversies. For instance, he faced an investigation on murder charges while still a lieutenant – a serious accusation that, though the outcome is not detailed, highlights the often-harsh realities and potential for volatile situations in naval life at the time.

Supporting the Glorious Revolution and Facing Adversity

A pivotal moment in St Lo's career, and indeed in British history, was the Glorious Revolution of 1688. St Lo was a staunch supporter of this momentous event, which saw the deposition of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. He later claimed to have played a crucial role in its success, underscoring his political convictions and willingness to act decisively during a period of national upheaval. Unfortunately, his active seagoing career came to an abrupt and involuntary halt shortly thereafter. In 1689, his ship was captured by a French warship during the early stages of the Nine Years' War, and St Lo himself sustained injuries. This unfortunate incident marked the end of his command at sea and ushered in a new chapter of his life.

Transition to Administration and Political Life

Following his capture by the French, St Lo endured a period as a prisoner of war in France. Upon his eventual return to England, his injuries and perhaps the trauma of imprisonment precluded a return to active sea command. Instead, he channeled his extensive naval experience and strategic insights into a career in naval administration and politics. He began taking up various administrative posts, demonstrating a continued commitment to the Royal Navy, albeit from a different vantage point. During this time, he also turned his observations and thoughts on naval administration into written works, contributing to the discourse on how best to manage and sustain Britain's growing maritime power.

Key Administrative Roles and the Eddystone Lighthouse Incident

St Lo's administrative career saw him hold several crucial positions. He served as a commissioner for some of the vital dockyards, which were the lifeblood of the Royal Navy, responsible for ship construction, repair, and provisioning. Additionally, he was appointed an extra commissioner for the navy, indicating his broader influence in naval policy and management. One of the most significant and dramatically illustrative episodes of his administrative tenure occurred during his time as commissioner at Plymouth. Here, he played an important role in supporting the ambitious and pioneering construction of the first Eddystone Lighthouse. This project, spearheaded by the ingenious architect Henry Winstanley, aimed to erect a lighthouse on the perilous Eddystone Rocks off the coast of Cornwall – a feat of engineering considered highly challenging for its time, designed to safeguard shipping in one of the world's busiest sea lanes.

However, St Lo's involvement with the lighthouse project was marred by a critical error in judgment. In a decision that proved disastrous, he sent away the project's guardship, which was responsible for protecting the construction site and its personnel from enemy incursions. Exploiting this lapse in security, a French privateer promptly captured the crew and, critically, the architect Henry Winstanley himself. The incident caused considerable alarm and embarrassment. While the men were eventually released, reputedly through the personal intervention of King Louis XIV of France – a gesture that perhaps underscored the respect for Winstanley's unique contributions even amidst warfare – St Lo was nonetheless reprimanded for his misstep. This incident vividly illustrates the constant threat of conflict during this period and the high stakes involved in naval administration.

Parliamentary Engagement and Later Years

Beyond his administrative duties, George St Lo also ventured into parliamentary politics. In 1701, he was elected to the House of Commons, representing the constituency of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. During his time in Parliament, he aligned himself with the Tory interest, a prominent political faction of the era. His parliamentary career, however, was relatively brief, as he was defeated in the general election of 1705. Despite this setback, he continued his dedicated service in various administrative capacities. This continued until the accession of King George I to the throne in 1716, which heralded a new political landscape. In the subsequent redistribution of government posts that often accompanied a change of monarch, St Lo found himself unemployed. He passed away two years later, in 1718, leaving behind a legacy of service both at sea and in the administrative heart of the British naval and political establishment.


FAQs about George St Lo

Who was George St Lo?
George St Lo (1655–1718) was a British naval officer and politician who served in the Royal Navy during the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession. After being wounded and captured, he transitioned into a career in naval administration and parliamentary politics.
What were his key naval achievements?
He rose through the ranks to become a captain in the Royal Navy and commanded his own ships. He also publicly supported the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
How did his active naval career end?
His active seagoing career concluded in 1689 when his ship was captured by a French warship, and he sustained injuries, leading to a period as a prisoner of war in France.
What administrative roles did he hold?
After his naval service, St Lo became a commissioner for various dockyards and an extra commissioner for the navy. He was also commissioner at Plymouth, where he supported the construction of the first Eddystone Lighthouse.
What was the Eddystone Lighthouse incident?
While commissioner at Plymouth, St Lo controversially sent away the guardship protecting the Eddystone Lighthouse construction site. As a result, a French privateer captured the architect, Henry Winstanley, and the crew. Though they were later released, St Lo was reprimanded for his lapse in judgment.
What was his political affiliation and parliamentary experience?
He entered parliamentary politics in 1701, serving as a Member of Parliament for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. He supported the Tory interest but lost his seat in the 1705 election.
How did his career conclude?
He continued in administrative roles until the accession of King George I in 1716. With the subsequent redistribution of posts, he was left unemployed and passed away two years later in 1718.