Early Life
Born in Westminster, London, Vernon was the second son of James Vernon, secretary of state to William III. Edward had one other sibling, James who became British envoy to Denmark and served as a member of parliament and Clerk of the Privy Council. Vernon briefly attended Westminster School, then joined the Royal Navy on 10 May 1700 as a Volunteer per order on board HMS Shrewsbury. It is important to note that Vernon's secondary education was sharply at odds with the norm for Royal Navy officers of his day, most of whom received only an elementary education before they were sent to sea at about the age of twelve.
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