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Description: | Papal reward medal commemorating Pope Innocent XI. The medal has been inserted into a gilt mount with suspension ring. Obverse: Bust of Pope Innocent XI in mitre and pontifical robe (right). Legend: (on medal) 'INNOC . XI PONT . M . AN . X .'; (on mount) 'INNOCENT XI RAIS'D TO THE POPEDOM 1676 . DIED IN 1689.' Reverse: A mother with infant on her knee, embracing a child. Legend: 'NON . QVAERIT . QVAE . SVA . SVNT.' On a gilt plaque this medal is described as having been presented to Captain William Allen for convoying in HMS 'Bonadventure' a fleet laden with wheat for His Holiness's subjects.
Text of associated brass plate 'THE GOLD MEDAL
Was the GIFT OF POPE INNOCENT THE ELEVENTH to Captn William Allen, commanding His Britannic Majesty's Ship BONAVENTURE; on his Convoying a Fleet laden with wheat for the supply of the Subjects of his Holiness. On his return from that Service, he was attacked by the ENEMY'S SHIPS of superior force, which the former engaged for a considerable time, and towards the close of the Action, when her powder was nearly exhausted in the last Broadside was fortunate enough to carry away the BOWSPRIT of her Antagonist; & by that means avoid being CAPTURED. Captain William Allen having been mortally wounded during the Action, the COMMAND devolv'd to his eldest son Bennet Allen aged 18, his first Lieutenant, who for his SKILL and BRAVERY in continuing to fight the SHIP, and bringing her safe into PORT, was promoted at the early age of 21, to the Rank of Post Captain, his Brother Robert, aged 8, was a Midshipman on board during the ENGAGEMENT soon after which, Capt Bennet Allen retired from the Service, Robert continued in it and was made a LIEUTENANT at 18 years of age, & remained in the Service until he died in 1752, holding the distinguished Command of his Majesty's Yatch Mary, his son William Allen, in 1793, introduced CHARLES, 4th Grandson of the above ROBERT, who now holds the Rank of COMMANDER in his MAJESTY'S NAVY 22 July 1825, promoted a CAPTAIN in September 1840, 22 July 1843. Captn Charles Allen RN died 9th January 1853 aged 74'.
caption: Record Shot - Do not reproduce. | Publisher: | "http://collections.rmg.co.uk/" | Rights holder: | "Royal Museums Greenwich" | Source: | Royal Museums Greenwich | Identifier: | http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections... | Go to resource |
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