Henry Duncan Grant (1834-1896) was born on 12 October 1834, the son of John Grant, paymaster, R.N. He entered the navy in 1847, and was made lieutenant in 1855. From December 1855 to August 1857 he served on H.M. Screw Steamship Pearl, a newly commissioned vessel of 21 guns, 1462 tons and 250 crew. Thereafter, he served with the Pearl's naval brigade in Bengal during 1858. Grant was promoted to the rank of captain on 30 September 1864, and between 1870 and 1878 commanded, in turn, the Serapis, Triumph, Aurora, Narcissus and the Duke of Wellington. He was made a C.B. in 1875, and from 1878 until his death he was an assessor under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1876. He was an Aide de Camp to Queen Victoria, 1879-1881, and was promoted to Rear Admiral in January 1881. Grant was Admiral Superintendent of Devonport Dockyard, 1885-1888, and was promoted to Vice-Admiral in 1888, and full Admiral in 1892. He was also a Vice-President of the National Temperance League. He died at Coombe Lodge, Liss, near Southampton on 8 November 1896.
From the guide to the Henry Grant: Naval journal, 1855-1857, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)
