Quick Facts
Biography
Lieutenant General Thomas Fowke (pronounced "Foke") (c. 1690 – 29 March 1765) was a British Army officer who was appointed Governor of Gibraltar.
Early years
He was the son of John Fowke, Esq. and descended from the Fowkes of Brewood and Gunston, in South Staffordshire.
Career
In 1745, he served as Brigadier-General during the Battle of Prestonpans. In 1748, he starved on Staff in Flanders with the rank of Major-General; his aide-de-camp was Robert Donkin.
Holding the rank of Lieutenant General, he served as Governor of Gibraltar during the period of 31 May 1754 to 12 July 1756 but was suspended for not providing a regiment of marines to Admiral John Byng, who was attempting to transport troops from Gibraltar to Minorca. Fowke was ultimately dismissed from the service by King George II, but reinstated to his former rank in 1761 by George III.
Personal life
His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William Ingoldsby, Bart. His second wife was Dorothea, daughter of Edward Randall, of Salisbury, Wiltshire. They had one son, Sir Thomas Fowke, Groom of the Bedchamber to Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn. His grandson was Sir Frederick Gustavus Fowke, 1st Baronet (1782–1856) of the Fowke baronets.
He died in Bath, England in 1765, having been an officer for more than sixty years.