The Byng Papers

This collection offers a glimpse into the life and operations of Sir George Byng, highlighting key events from 1711 to 1717 in The Byng Papers.

This publication, part of the Navy Records Society, delves into the writings of Sir George Byng and his son John. Although the project intended to cover a more extensive collection, only three volumes were completed by Brian Tunstall, with the last document in the third volume dating back to 1717. The absence of a fourth volume, which was mentioned in earlier works, highlights the incomplete nature of this historical endeavor. Tunstall's previous work, 'Admiral Byng,' published in 1928, offered insights into some documents concerning the admiral and his court martial, further enriching the historical context.

The time frame of The Byng Papers spans from 1711 to 1717, a tumultuous period marked by political upheaval. The introduction features a brief biography of Thomas Corbett, who served as George Byng's secretary and played a crucial role in the administrative landscape of the Admiralty. The letters included in this volume provide a glimpse into Byng's character and contributions, particularly during his tenure as Secretary of the Board of Admiralty from 1741 to 1751.

A significant portion of the documents focuses on the events of 1715, during which Byng was actively involved in military operations against the Jacobites. The final section of the volume, comprising 150 pages, details Byng's command of the fleet in the Baltic in 1717, where he successfully blockaded the Swedish fleet, safeguarded British commerce, and countered the aggressive postures of other Baltic nations.