Borrowdale (ship) facts for kids
Borrowdale from three angles
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Great Britain |
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| Name | Borrowdale |
| Builder | Sunderland |
| Launched | 1785 |
| Fate | Sunk, 31 October 1789 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Storeship |
| Tons burthen | 272, or 340 (bm) |
| Length | 75 ft (23 m) |
| Beam | 22 ft (6.7 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 22 |
| Armament | 4 guns |
The Borrowdale was an important ship that sailed with the First Fleet to Australia in 1788. This fleet carried the first European settlers and soldiers to start a new colony. The Borrowdale was a 'storeship', meaning it carried important supplies like food and equipment for the new settlement.
It was built in Sunderland, England, around 1785 and weighed about 275 tons. The ship was commanded by Master R. Hobson. The British Government hired the Borrowdale to transport these vital supplies. The ship's owners were paid for its service until it returned to Deptford, England.
Contents
The First Fleet's Historic Journey
The Borrowdale was part of the historic First Fleet, a group of 11 ships that left England in 1787. Their mission was to establish the first European settlement in Australia, which would become Sydney. This journey was long and challenging, taking many months across vast oceans.
What the Borrowdale Carried
As a storeship, the Borrowdale was packed with essential items for the new colony. These included food, tools, and other equipment needed to build a new life in an unknown land. The ship also carried a crew of 22 people.
The Return Voyage and Challenges
After delivering its cargo, the Borrowdale left Sydney in July 1788 to sail back to England. The journey home was very difficult for the crew. Many sailors became very sick with a disease called scurvy. Scurvy is caused by not having enough vitamin C.
Sickness at Sea
When the ship reached Rio de Janeiro in South America, several sailors were so ill they had to be taken to a hospital. Sadly, five sailors died on the long trip back to England. The Borrowdale eventually sank on October 31, 1789.
