LEAKE, RICHARD, was born at Harwich in 1629, and was bred a sailor. In the first Dutch war, being gunner of the Princess, a frigate of 50 guns, he signalized himself by his bravery in two extraordinary engagements. Having been promoted to the gunnery of the Royal Prince, a first-rate man-of-war, he was engaged in the sea-fight against Van Tromp in 1673, and by his valour and presence of mind, saved his vessel from being destroyed by two fire-ships. For his services, he was soon afterwards made gunner of Whitehall, and in 1677 obtained a life-grant of the office of master gunner of England, and store-keeper of the ordnance at Woolwich. He died in 1696.