English ship Pelican (1650) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Commonwealth of England |
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| Name | Pelican |
| Ordered | December 1649 |
| Builder | John Taylor, Wapping |
| Launched | 1650 |
| Commissioned | 1650 |
| Honours and awards |
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| Fate | Accidentally burnt at Portsmouth 13 February 1656 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 42-gun Fourth-rate |
| Tons burthen | 516+64⁄94 tons (bm) |
| Length | 100 ft 0 in (30.5 m) keel for tonnage |
| Beam | 30 ft 8 in (9.3 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m) |
| Sail plan | ship-rigged |
| Complement | 180 personnel in 1653 |
| Armament | 42 guns (1653) |
The Pelican was a powerful warship built for England in the 1650s. It was one of six "frigates" (a type of warship) designed to carry 40 guns. The Pelican played an important role in the First Anglo-Dutch War. It fought in several big battles, including Kentish Knock, Portland, the Gabbard, and Scheveningen. Sadly, the ship was accidentally destroyed by fire in 1656.
The name Pelican was popular for ships. This Pelican was the fourth ship to carry that name. One famous earlier Pelican was an 18-gun ship used by the explorer Sir Francis Drake in 1577. That ship was later renamed the Golden Hind.
Contents
Building the Pelican
The Pelican was one of six new warships ordered in December 1649. It was built by John Taylor in Wapping, England. The ship was launched in 1650, meaning it was put into the water for the first time that year.
The Pelican was about 30.5 meters (100 feet) long. It was also about 9.3 meters (30 feet 8 inches) wide. The ship's hold, which is the space below the deck, was about 4.6 meters (15 feet 4 inches) deep. The total cost to build the Pelican was around £3,250.
Ship's firepower and crew
In 1653, the Pelican carried 42 guns. These guns were placed on different decks. Larger guns called "culverins" were on the lower deck. Medium-sized guns called "demi-culverins" were on the upper deck. Smaller guns called "sakers" were on the quarterdeck. The ship needed a crew of 180 people to operate it in 1653.
Life as a warship
The Pelican began its service in 1650. Its first commander was Captain Joseph Jordan. The ship first sailed in Scottish waters. Later, it joined a group of ships led by William Penn. In 1651, the Pelican sailed with Penn's group in the Mediterranean Sea.
Fighting in the Anglo-Dutch War
The Pelican was very active during the First Anglo-Dutch War. This war was fought between England and the Dutch Republic.
Key battles and commanders
- August 1652: The Pelican was part of an action led by Admiral Ayscue.
- September 1652: It fought in the Battle of Kentish Knock.
- 1653: Captain John Stoakes took command of the ship.
- February 1653: The Pelican joined Robert Blake's fleet at the Battle of Portland.
- June 1653: It participated in the Battle of the Gabbard. Here, it was part of the "Red Squadron, Center Division."
- July 1653: The ship also fought in the Battle of Scheveningen off Texel. It was part of the "Red Squadron, Van Division."
Later in 1653, Captain William Whitehorse became the commander. The Pelican spent the winter of 1653-1654 at St Helens. In 1655, Captain Robert Storey took over command of the ship.
The end of the Pelican
On February 13, 1656, the Pelican was anchored in Portsmouth. Sadly, a fire broke out on board, and the ship was accidentally burned. This brought an end to its service.
