Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Fitzclarence, Adolphus
FITZCLARENCE, Lord ADOLPHUS (1802–1856), rear-admiral, an illegitimate son of William IV, by Mrs. Jordan, entered the navy in 1814, on board the Impregnable, bearing the flag of his father, then Duke of Clarence. Afterwards he served in the Mediterranean, on the North American station, or the coast of Portugal, and was promoted to be lieutenant in April 1821. In May 1823 he was made commander, and captain in December 1824. In 1826 he commanded the Ariadne in the Mediterranean, in 1827 the Challenger, in 1828 the Pallas, and in July 1830 was appointed to the command of the royal yacht, which he retained till promoted to flag rank, 17 Sept. 1853. He died 17 May 1856. On his father's accession to the throne he was granted, 24 May 1831, the title and precedency of the younger son of a marquis, and 24 Feb. 1832 was nominated a G.C.H.
[O'Byrne's Naval Biog. Dict.; Foster's Peerage, s.n. 'Munster.']