Rear Admiral Richard Willis RN (1755–1829) was a late 18th century and early 19th century Royal Navy commander perhaps best remembered as a member of the Willis family who, having cured George III of his madness, thereafter spent much time in royal circles.
He was born in Dunston, Lincolnshire on 7 May 1755, the fourth child of Rev Dr Francis Willis (a noted minister and physician) and his wife, Mary Curtois.
In May 1790 he returned to service as Commander of the tiny HMS Swan, again working for the Excise looking for smugglers.
After a three-month break (August to November 1790) he joined HMS Andromache which had seen action in the Battle of the Saintes.
His official role in the Royal Navy was Port Admiral of Portsmouth but he lived in Petworth.