Life story retold by Yota Dimitriadi
Commander Herbert Grey Austen was born in Chawton, Hampshire on 8th November 1815, the sixth child (fourth son) out of 11. He was one of Jane Austen’s nephews as his father, Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Francis William Austen, was one of Jane’s brothers. His mother was Mary Gibson.
Herbert followed his father’s footsteps and entered the Navy (from the Royal Naval College) on 25 June, 1830, as a Volunteer, on board the Talbot (28 guns), Capt. Rich. Dickinson, employed at the Cape of Good Hope.
His obituary on Reading Mercury (Saturday 14 April 1888) records: “The deceased gentleman, who was the fourth son of the late Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Francis Wm. Austen, 6.C.8., passed with credit through the Royal Naval College in less than the time allowed, for which he counted two years. He served midshipman on the Cape Station, at the Mauritius, on the Coast of Spain, and on the West Coast of Africa. He passed for the rank of sub-lieutenant at the College the first of 20, in November, 1834, was appointed lieutenant in November, 1841, commander in November, 1846, He served as mate to the Medea, and took part in the operations on the coast of Syria in 1840, receiving the Syrian and Turkish medals. He was promoted at the birth of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and served afterwards in the Mediterranean, on the North American, and on the West Indian stations, where he obtained his commission as Commander of H.M.S. Vesuvius, in which ship he served under his father and the Earl of Dundonald. He was afterwards employed in the Coast Guard service, on the West Coast of Ireland ; and retired in 1866 with the rank of Captain.”
A detailed list of his naval career can be found on A Naval Biographical Dictionary (1849) by William Richard O’Byrne. It includes his service on the Magicienne (24 guns, 30 Nov. 1841)-Capt. Rich. Laird Warren; the Excellent (30 Aug. 1844) and to the Vindictive (50 guns, 500 men, 25 Jan. 1845) as Flag-Lieutenant to his father. “Contrary to usual practice, Sir Francis had four members of his family with him on the Vindictive: his 3rd son, George, 4th son, Herbert, and two unmarried daughters, Cassandra (Cassy, 31) and Frances (24)….The women were ostensibly along to act as their father’s social hostesses. Sir Francis’s original intent was to commission his namesake and eldest son, Francis, as flag captain of the Vindictive. However, recently enacted Admiralty regulations prohibited such favouritism” [Sheila Johnson Kindred] .
In November 1846, Herbert was promoted to the rank of commander and commissioned into HMS Vesuvius. His promotion was benevolent, if not self-serving, behaviour on Francis’s part. It gave his son experience with steam power, which the navy would increasingly rely on. Additionally, the Vesuvius was suitable for carrying out cartographic assignments, which Herbert would soon undertake.
On Thursday 12th July 1852 at St. Pancras Church, Herbert G. Austen, Esq. (46 years old), Commander R.N., Son of Admiral Sir Francis Austen, G.C.B. married Louisa Frances Lyus (21 years old), the eldest daughter of Thomas Lyus, Esq., late of Bedbamton, Hants. They had three children.
The 1871 census shows that the family live at 11b Victoria Square, London. They had 2 children by then: Alice Mary (7) and Ella Frances (5) and 3 servants. Alice was born on her famous great aunt’s 88th birthday (16 December 1863). By 1881 they live in the 14 room villa, Whiteley Lodge, Reading. The census now shows their son Frederick William (7), a guest (Charlotte Stevanton- 45 years) and 2 servants living with them. The 1881 census shows that the girls were lodging at 21 Royal Parade, [College Boarding House] in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. This is now a Grade II listed building (Historic England).
Sir Francis’s original intent was to commission his namesake and eldest son, Francis, as flag captain of the Vindictive. However, recently enacted Admiralty regulations prohibited such favouritism.
In November 1846, Herbert was promoted to the rank of commander and commissioned into HMS Vesuvius. His promotion was benevolent, if not self-serving, behaviour on Francis’s part. It gave his son experience with steam power, which the navy would increasingly rely on. Additionally, the Vesuvius was suitable for carrying out cartographic assignments, which Herbert would soon undertake.
His “haul down” nomination has not been made, but it is reported that his son, Commander Herbert Grey Austen, who went out as his father’s Flag Lieutenant, but who was promoted in November, 1840, into the on the promotion cf Captain O’Callaghan, is to be the fortunate recipient of the privileged promotion. (North British Daily Mail – Tuesday 20 June 1848)
Country villas of the gentry also began to be built on the edge of Reading, south of the junctions of Basingstoke Road, Christchurch Road and Whitley Street: Whitley Lodge, Whitley Grove, Whitley Place and Whitley Hill (later called Whitley Rise). Info about Whitley shared by Royal County of Berkshire History: http://berkshirehistory.com/villages/whitley.html
He died on 31st March at his house in Whitley Lodge, Whitley. He was 73 years old.
His obituary on Reading Mercury (Saturday 14 April 1888) states: “The deceased gentleman …was for many years well known and universally esteemed. He never sought public office, but was for many years hon. sec. and treasurer for the local branch of the Seamen’s Mission, in which he took great interest; hon. sec. of the Christ Church (Whitley) branch of the S.P.G., and of the parish branch of the C.M.S. For the past two years he officiated as Vicar’s warden in the parish of Christ Church…
The funeral, which was quite private, took place on Thursday, the sth inst. The body was enclosed in a massive coffin of polished English oak, with a simple inscription the brass breastplate; covered with beautiful floral devices….
The hymns sung the church included No. 140 (A. and M,), and as the mournful cortege moved slowly down the church, the “Dead March ” Saul was played by Mr. Moss, the organist.
The interment took place in new brick grave in the Reading Cemetery, the grave being lined with moss and ivy, studded with arum lilies and white flowers….
The funeral arrangements were placed in the entire charge of Mr. Edward Morris, of the Market-place, and were most satisfactorily carried out.”
Administration (with the will) of Herbert’s personal estate was granted to his widow, Louisa, “the relict, the residuary Legatee for life. Effects £16,046 9s 10d” (26th June 1888).
Louisa outlived Herbert by 35 years and died on 11 April 1923. The effects of £15,849 0s. 11d. passed on to her son Reverend Frederick William.
Louisa is buried with Herbert at one of the chestnut tree circles at Reading Old.
Buried in Section 57, Row C, Plot 3