HMS Aboukir (1848) facts for kids

HMS Aboukir at Port Royal, Jamaica. circa 1865
Quick facts for kids History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Aboukir
Ordered	18 March 1839
Builder	Devonport Dockyard
Laid down	August 1840
Launched	4 April 1848
Completed	1 January 1858
Reclassified	Depot ship/floating battery 1862 Receiving ship 1867
Fate	Sold for breaking up on 23 November 1877
General characteristics as built
Class and type	Albion-class 90-gun second-rate ship of the line
Tons burthen	3,09970⁄94 (bm)
Length	204 ft (62 m) (gundeck) 166 ft (51 m) (keel)
Beam	60 ft 2.25 in (18.3452 m)
Depth of hold	23 ft 8 in (7.21 m)
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Complement	750 (peace)/820 (war)
Armament	90 guns: Lower gundeck: 4 × 68-pounder guns + 28 × 32-pounder guns Upper gundeck: 26 × 32-pounder guns + 6 × 8-inch/68-pounder shell guns Quarterdeck: 16 × 32-pounder guns + 2 × 8-inch/68-pounder shell guns Forecastle: 8 × 32-pounder guns
General characteristics after conversion
Class and type	Albion-class 90-gun second-rate ship of the line
Tons burthen	3,091 (bm)
Length	204 ft (62 m) (gundeck) 165 ft 4+1⁄4 in (50.400 m) (keel)
Beam	60 ft 1+1⁄4 in (18.320 m)
Depth of hold	23 ft 8+1⁄2 in (7.226 m)
Propulsion	2-cylinder horizontal trunk engine Single screw 400 nhp 1,533 ihp
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Speed	9.55 knots (under steam)
Complement	830
Armament	91 guns: Lower gundeck: 32 × 8-inch guns Upper gundeck: 32 × 32-pounder guns QD/Fc: 26 × 32-pounder guns + 1 × 68-pounder gun

HMS Aboukir was a large warship of the Royal Navy. It was a 90-gun second-rate ship of the line, launched in 1848. This type of ship was powered by sails and carried many cannons.

Life at Sea for HMS Aboukir

The HMS Aboukir had an interesting time at sea. It faced some challenges and also got some important upgrades.

Early Voyages and a Small Mishap

On July 6, 1861, the Aboukir accidentally ran aground. This happened near a place called Yeusta Skerry. Luckily, the ship was not badly damaged. Repairs cost about £302, which was a good amount of money back then.

Modernizing the Ship

In 1858, the navy decided to give the Aboukir a big upgrade. They added a screw propulsion system. This meant the ship could now move using a steam engine and a propeller, not just sails. This was a big step forward in naval technology!

A Health Challenge on Board

Between 1873 and 1874, the crew of the Aboukir faced a serious health challenge. A severe illness affected many sailors on board. Today, a special monument stands on the Southsea seafront. It remembers the brave crew members who faced this difficult time.

A memorial at Southsea that remembers the crew of HMS Aboukir

End of Service

After many years of service, the Aboukir was eventually sold. This happened on November 23, 1877. The ship was sold to be broken up, meaning its parts were taken apart and reused.

An old drawing showing the design of the Aboukir and similar ships.