Sir Henry Keppel (1809-1904), Admiral of the fleet

Sitter in 8 portraits
Keppel entered the Navy in 1822. His family connections secured him rapid promotion, and he was promoted to Captain in 1837. His long naval career took him to many places including the West and East Indies and Australia. Keppel served with distinction in 1841 during the first Opium War in China and in the Baltic campaign of 1854; he was also active in suppressing piracy in Borneo. In 1866, by now a Vice-Admiral, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief in China. Three years later he was promoted to Admiral and returned to England. He was considered by his peers to be an officer of great courage and excellent seamanship.