Richard Swanley

Richard Swanley was churchwarden for Limehouse. He was a general shipmaster to the East India Company and became an admiral of the Commonwealth navy and was described as a master mate in 1622 when he was appointed to command the 'Royal Exchange'. In 1643 he was 'Admiral of the Irish seas' doing great damage to the Royal cause on the west coast.

In March the same year he captured at Bristol ships carrying arms and ammunition for the King. In May 1644 he made a descent on Caernarvon capturing 400 prisoners and arms. That year he relieved Plymouth and captured many prisoners. Parliament voted thanks to him on 4 June 1644 and he was called to the Bar of the House and presented with a gold chain valued at 200 pounds.

He was buried on 25 September 1650 at Stepney and his wife Elizabeth was buried there on 1 July 1662. He had three children, Mary, John and Richard. Richard, the son, may be the same who was in command of the 'Eaglet' ketch at the Restoration and later a lieutenant in the 'Anne' and 'Triumph'.