Golden Grove (ship) facts for kids

"Golden Grove" is a name that several ships used during the Age of Sail. This was a time when large sailing ships were the main way to travel and transport goods across oceans. These ships might have been named after places like Golden Grove, Jamaica or Golden Grove, Carmarthenshire. Let's learn about some of these famous vessels.

Ships Named Golden Grove

The First Fleet's Golden Grove (1782)

One ship named Golden Grove was originally launched in 1780 as the Russian Trader. In 1782, she was renamed Golden Grove. This ship played an important role in history.

Journey to Australia

The 1782 Golden Grove was a supply ship for the First Fleet. This fleet was a group of eleven ships that sailed from England to Australia in 1788. They carried the first European settlers and people who had been found guilty of crimes to start a new colony at Botany Bay. The Golden Grove helped carry supplies for this long journey. She was last mentioned in records around 1811.

The West Indies Trader (1786)

Another ship named Golden Grove was built in Teignmouth in 1786. She was designed to be a "West Indiaman." This means she was built to sail between England and the West Indies, carrying goods like sugar, rum, and other products. She likely started her voyages to the West Indies right away.

Captured and Recaptured

This Golden Grove first appeared in Lloyd's Register in 1793. This register was a very important book that listed ships and their details. In 1805, a Spanish privateer captured her. A privateer was a private ship authorized by a government to attack enemy shipping. However, the British Royal Navy quickly recaptured her within a few months. After this adventure, she went back to trading with the West Indies. After 1810, she seemed to start sailing between London and Dublin. Sadly, she was lost around 1821.

The Short-Lived Golden Grove (1793)

A third ship named Golden Grove was launched in Southampton in 1783. It's possible she had a different name at first. By 1794, this ship was involved in the difficult and sad business of transporting people from Africa against their will to be sold into slavery.

A Difficult Voyage

Under new owners, this Golden Grove faced a terrible fate. She was wrecked in late 1795. Her short life highlights a challenging and often tragic period in maritime history.