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Entry TypePerson
SurnameBeaufort
ForenamesFrancis
Pre TitleSir
Epithetnaval officer and hydrographer
Dates1774-1857
Gender IdentityMale
BiographyHe joined th eRoyal Navy in 1790; during the Napoleonic wars he progressed slowly through the ranks but earned recognition for his gallant actions (he was seriously wounded on a couple of occasions) and his considerable scientific talents, particularly in the field of surveying. He specialised in producing accurate and thorough charts, which were widely admired and respected for their accuracy. He was eventually appointed Hydrographer of the Royal Navy in 1829, which post he held until his retirement in 1855. Although his map-making was regarded as his greatest contribution, he is better known in the wider world as the inventor of the Beaufort wind scale. He effectively became the director of the Admiralty's efforts to search for his friend Sir John Franklin and his expedition. Beaufort was married twice; first to Alicia Magdalena Wilson from 1812 until her death in 1834, by whom there were 7 children (Daniel Augustus, Francis Lestock, Alfred, Sophia, Roslaind Elizabeth, William Morris and Emily Anne); second to his step-niece Honora Edgeworh in 1838.
RelationshipsSon of Reverend Daniel Augustus Beaufort and his wife Mary (nee Waller)
Key EventsBorn at Flower Hill, Navan, County Meath, 27 May 1774; died at Brighton, 17 Dec 1857
SourceDictionary of National Biography online; "It's Part of What We Are", Volume 1 by Charles Mollan (2007)
Authorised Form of NameBeaufort; Sir; Francis (1774-1857); naval officer and hydrographer

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