Admiral Volant Vashon Ballard

1774-1829

Bath provided a haven for many retired admirals during the nineteenth century, and Ballard is by no means the most distinguished—although few of them could have claimed more unusual christian names. He fought with Lord Howe at the celebrated action against the French in 1794 which became known as the ‘Glorious First of June’, and was promoted rear admiral in 1825. Later, he lived at 34 Park Street; and when he died in October 1829, the Bath Chronicle announced the fact with casual brevity: ‘Died at Exmouth, Admiral Ballard, of Park Street in this city, and Coates Hall, Yorkshire’.