Robert Blake (admiral)

Robert Blake (admiral)

Robert Blake (27 September 1598 – 17 August 1657) was one of the most important military commanders of the Commonwealth of England and one of the most famous English admirals of the 17th century whose successes have never been excelled, not even by Nelson. Blake is recognised as the chief founder of England's naval supremacy, a dominance subsequently inherited by the British Royal Navy into the early 20th century. Despite this, due to deliberate attempts to expunge the Parliamentarians from history following the Restoration, Blake's achievements tend not to receive the full recognition that they deserve.