Cyrus-class ship-sloop facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Class overview
Name:	Cyrus class
Operators:	Royal Navy
Completed:	16
General characteristics
Type	Sixth rate (later rated as ship sloops)
Tons burthen	454 80⁄94 (as designed)
Length	115 ft 6 in (35.20 m) (gundeck) 97 ft 2 in (29.62 m) (keel)
Beam	29 ft 8 in (9.04 m)
Depth of hold	8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Propulsion	Sail
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Complement	135
Armament	UD: 20 × 32-pounder carronades and 2 × 6-pounder chase guns

The Cyrus-class ships were a group of sixteen warships built for the Royal Navy (the British Navy) around 1812-1814. These ships were designed by Sir William Rule, who was in charge of ship design for the Navy. They were called "sixth-rate" ships, which meant they were smaller warships, often used for scouting or carrying messages. Later, they were known as "ship sloops."

The first nine ships of this class were launched in 1813. The remaining seven ships were launched in 1814. These ships were important at the end of the Napoleonic War, a big conflict in Europe. Their design was based on an earlier British ship, HMS Hermes, which itself was inspired by a French ship.

Building the Cyrus-Class Ships

Why These Ships Were Built

The Cyrus-class ships were created to be a match for new American warships. The United States Navy was building fast, ship-rigged sloops, like the Frolic-class. The British wanted ships that could stand up to them.

Battles and Changes

Interestingly, no Cyrus-class ship ever fought a Frolic-class ship. However, one ship from this class, HMS Levant, was captured. It was taken by an older American frigate called USS Constitution.

In 1817, the Royal Navy changed how it classified its ships. From January 1, 1817, the Cyrus-class ships were officially called "20-gun sloops." This change helped organize the Navy's fleet better.

Ships of the Cyrus Class

Sixteen ships were built in the Cyrus class. They were constructed at various shipyards across Britain. Each ship had its own story, from when it was ordered to its final fate.