Thomas Penrose

Penrose led an adventurous if tragic life. Descended from the famous 17th century Thomas Penrose of the Bristol sailing family, he was a distant cousin of the shipbuilder in Philadelphia. As a youth, he delayed his education to pursue adventure on the seas, but was severely wounded aboard the HMS Ambuscade in 1763. Returning to England, he completed his studies, took orders in the church, became an advocate for peace with the colonies, and a noted poet.