HMS Africa (1761) facts for kids
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Ship plan of Africa
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Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Africa |
| Ordered | 31 January 1759 |
| Builder | Perry, Blackwall Yard |
| Launched | 1 August 1761 |
| Fate | Sold out of the service, 1774 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Essex-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 135381⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 44 ft 4 in (13.51 m) |
| Depth of hold | 18 ft 10 in (5.74 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 500 |
| Armament |
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HMS Africa was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy (Britain's navy). It had 64 guns and was part of the Essex-class of ships. Launched in 1761, it served during the second half of the Seven Years' War, a big conflict against France and Spain.
HMS Africa was one of two ships in its class. It was designed by a famous naval architect named Thomas Slade. These ships were made to be a bit bigger than another ship, HMS Asia, which Slade also designed.
The order to build Africa was given on December 31, 1758. This was because the Royal Navy needed more ships. France had declared war earlier that year, so Britain was expanding its navy. Building started on May 7, 1758, and the ship was finished and launched on August 1, 1761. The ship was named Africa in November 1759. The navy often named ships after well-known places.
Africa's Time at Sea
In September 1761, the new 64-gun ship was ready for duty. Captain Alexander Hood took command of Africa. The ship joined Britain's fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, led by Admiral Edward Hawke.
Africa stayed in the Mediterranean for the rest of the war. It returned to England in April 1763 after the Treaty of Paris officially ended the fighting. When it arrived at Portsmouth Dockyard, the ship was "paid off." This meant its crew was sent to other ships, and Africa was taken out of active service.
After six months, Africa was put back into service. It was sent to the Caribbean Sea, where it stayed until November 1765.
End of Service
In 1765, Africa returned to Portsmouth and was "paid off" again. For the next nine years, the ship stayed anchored, not being used for active duty.
In May 1774, the navy decided they no longer needed Africa. The ship was sold for £900. Its parts, especially the wood, were likely used for other purposes.
