Richard Willis

Rear Admiral Richard Willis RN (1755–1829) was a late 18th century and early 19th century Royal Navy commander perhaps best remembered as a member of the Willis family who having cured George III of his madness thereafter spent much time in royal circles. Life He was born in Dunston, Lincolnshire on 7 May 1755 the fourth child of Rev Dr Francis Willis (a noted minister and physician) and his wife, Mary Curtois. His father later became famous in England as the physician tending George III during his "madness". In March 1778 he joined the Royal Navy and in October was promoted to Lieutenant. In November 1783 he joined the new HMS Speedwell, a small 16-gunner as its Commander. They were put to service off the Isle of Arran working for the Excise, patrolling for smugglers.