In a time of relative peace he saw no action and went to the Mediterranean in 1675 in command of the sixth-rate HMS Lark.

In 1688, he was placed in command of the third-rate HMS Hampton Court and after the Glorious Revolution, to which he was sympathetic, he became Comptroller of the Storekeeper's Accounts in 1689.

[2] He joined the Board of Admiralty led by the Earl of Pembroke in June 1690[3] and was advanced to First Naval Lord in January 1691.

[4] Priestman left the Admiralty Board in May 1699, following the departure from office of his friend, the Earl of Orford, who was highly criticised for financial abuse.

[5] Priestman died on 20 August 1712, aged 65; there is a monument to him in Westminster Abbey by the sculptor Francis Bird.