Admiral Richard Edwards (c. 1715 – 3 February 1795) was a Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator who twice served as the governor of Newfoundland from 1757 to 1759 and 1779 to 1781.

[1] His main concern was defence of the colony as Great Britain and France were at war.

[1] Edwards was re-appointed governor for a second term in 1779 and was again concerned with the colony's defences – only this time against American privateers.

[1] In 1780 he formed the Newfoundland Volunteers under the command of Robert Pringle.

[1] Edwards ordered the construction of Fort Townshend (see Lord Townshend) and the Quidi Vidi batteries including those at Petty Harbour.