The Honourable Edward Boscawen was the third son of Hugh Lord Viscount Falmouth, by Charlotte Godfrey, eldest daughter and coheiress of Charles Godfrey, and of Arabella Churchill, sister to John Duke of Marlborough; so that he derived from his birth all the advantages which an ancient and affluent family, and illustrious connexions may be supposed to confer. He was born on the 19th of August, 1711. Of his early years, and of the progress of his education previous to his entering the naval service, we have not been able to obtain an account; neither have we heard whether he shewed any juvenile indications of that promptitude, decision, and bravery, which marked and distinguished the events of his future life. In consequence of his expressing a boyish fondness for the sea service, he was sent on board a frigate as a Midshipman, at the age of twelve years; and after serving in that capacity the allotted time, he was appointed a Lieutenant, in which station he gained high credit, as a skilful seaman, and a spirited and active Officer.

On the 12th of March, 1737, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and soon after obtained the command of the Leopard, a fourth rate, of fifty guns.