[1] He was assigned to the third-rate HMS Orford, commanded by Captain John Norris, and saw action in the Mediterranean during the War of the Spanish Succession.

[2] After carrying out diplomatic duties for King George I in Paris in early 1716, he was promoted to captain on 26 June 1716 and given command of HMS Bideford at Gibraltar and was involved in naval action against pirates.

[2] Promoted to rear-admiral on 7 December 1743,[3] he hoisted his flag in HMS Barfleur and distinguished himself by his determination as commander of the vanguard at the Battle of Toulon in February 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession.

[9] He also bought Tendring Hall in Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk in 1750: the house was subsequently rebuilt to a design by Sir John Soane and remained in the Rowley family until it was demolished in 1955.

[13] Promoted to Admiral of the Fleet on 17 December 1762,[15] Rowley died on 1 January 1768 and is presumed to have been buried at St Mary's Church in Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk.