Benjamin Gonson (c. 1525–1577) was an English Naval Administrator, and the first Surveyor of the Royal Navy. He was a founding member of England's

Navy Board The Navy Board (formerly known as the Council of the Marine or Council of the Marine Causes) was the commission responsible for the day-to-day civil administration of the Royal Navy between 1546 and 1832. The board was headquartered within the ...

during the

Tudor period The Tudor period occurred between 1485 and 1603 in England and Wales and includes the Elizabethan period during the reign of Elizabeth I until 1603. The Tudor period coincides with the dynasty of the House of Tudor in England that began wit ...

Career

Benjamin Gonson began his career as a private

shipwright Shipbuilding is the construction of ships and other floating vessels. It normally takes place in a specialized facility known as a shipyard. Shipbuilders, also called shipwrights, follow a specialized occupation that traces its roots to befo ...

. He began his government work when he was appointed to the new

Council of the Marine The Navy Board (formerly known as the Council of the Marine or Council of the Marine Causes) was the commission responsible for the day-to-day civil administration of the Royal Navy between 1546 and 1832. The board was headquartered within the ...

established by

Henry VIII Henry VIII (28 June 149128 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is best known for his six marriages, and for his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. His disa ...

on 24 April 1546 as Surveyor and Rigger of the Navy. He held this post until 1549 when he was succeeded by Admiral William Wynter. On 8 April 1549 he was appointed Treasurer of Marine Causes which he first held alone (until 18 November 1577), and then jointly with Admiral

John Hawkins John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...

(until 26 November 1577).

Personal

The son of Vice-Admiral

William Gonson Vice-Admiral Sir William Gonson (1482–1544), was a Naval Judge and Naval Administrator of the English Royal Navy who served under King Henry VIII. Biography Career During the Tudor Period William Gonson's early career was as a private Mer ...

, he followed his father into government service. He married Ursula, daughter of

Anthony Hussey Anthony Hussey, Armiger, Esquire, (c.1496 – 1560) (also written Huse, Hussie, etc.) was an English merchant and lawyer who was President Judge of the High Court of Admiralty under Henry VIII of England, Henry VIII, before becoming Principal ...

(an

Admiralty Court Admiralty courts, also known as maritime courts, are courts exercising jurisdiction over all maritime contracts, torts, injuries, and offences. Admiralty courts in the United Kingdom England and Wales Scotland The Scottish court's earliest ...

judge under

) on 8 April 1546. He had fourteen children with Ursula all born between the years 1547–67; he died in December 1577.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gonson, Benjamin 1520s births 1577 deaths 16th-century Royal Navy personnel People from London People of the Tudor period Burials at St Dunstan-in-the-East

Career

Personal

See also

References