Broke,

Broke, SIR PHILIP BOWES VERE, rear-admiral, born at Broke Hall, near Ipswich, 9th September 1776, entered the service in 1792, was made captain in 1801, and appointed to the Shannon frigate, 38 guns, in 1806. In her he fought the memorable duel with the American Chesapeake frigate, off Boston, 1st June 1813, which has made 'brave Broke' ever since a hero in popular English song. The Americans were confident of success, but proved no match for Broke's hardy and thoroughly disciplined men, who, after delivering with excellent effect two terrific broadsides, sprang across the gunwale, and, after a moment's struggle, ran up the English colours fifteen minutes after the commencement of the action. A blow received in boarding seriously affected his health, and he retired from active service with a baronetcy. He died in London, 2d January 1841. See his Life by Dr Brighton (1866).