Paul – born Richard Keigwin (1647 – 1689) was a Captain in the Royal Navy who captured St. Helena on behalf of the East India Company on May 4th, 1673 and became its governor.  His landing spot is still known as ‘Keigwin’s Rock’. 

In 1677, Keigwin was transferred to Madras and became famous for his actions against the Maratha navy and he took control of Madras. Keigwin refused subsequent instructions from the London Headquarters of the East India Company to disband his forces and was recalled to Bombay (now Mumbai) but despite his refusal to obey instructions he was appointed a member of the Company’s governing council in Bombay.

He could not resolve issues with the company however and, in 1684, seized  Bombay in the name of the King, ruling it until the following November when the King ordered its return to the Company.

He was transferred to the West Indies and given the command of HMS Assistance.