| Collection | Edward, Duke of York and Albany |
| Admin History | Edward Augustus was born 14 March 1739 at Norfolk House, St. James's Square, London. He was the second son, and third child, of Frederick, Prince of Wales and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, and throughout childhood was a companion to his elder brother the future George III. He was invested as a Knight of the Garter in 1752, and joined the navy as a volunteer in 1758, serving during the Seven Years War. The Prince became Captain of the HMS Phoenix in 1759 and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1761, followed by Vice Admiral in 1762. Edward was bestowed by his grandfather George II the titles of Duke of York and Albany, and Earl of Ulster on 1 January 1760, and upon the accession of his brother, George III, he was appointed as Privy Councillor, moving into St. James's Palace. During the 1760s the Duke became less interested in naval service and travelled on the continent, including a tour of Italy between 1763-1764 where he was received by Pope Clement XIII, and it was whilst travelling to Genoa on 17 September 1767 that Edward died in Monaco, at the Palace of Honorè III, Prince of Monaco. The Duke was repatriated to London and interred at Westminster Abbey on 3 November 1767. At the time of his death he remained unmarried and he is not known to have fathered any children, although he was rumoured to have had several mistresses. |
| Custodial History | These records are believed to have been part of the original acquisition from Apsley House in 1912. |