HMS Andromache (1781) facts for kids
Inboard profile plan of Andromache
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Andromache |
| Namesake | Andromache |
| Ordered | 1 February 1780 |
| Builder | William Barnard, Deptford |
| Laid down | June 1781 |
| Launched | 17 November 1781 |
| Completed | 4 January 1782 |
| Fate | Broken up in 1811 |
| Notes |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 32-gun Amazon-class fifth-rate frigate |
| Tons burthen | 68412⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 35 ft 2 in (10.7 m) |
| Depth of hold | 12 ft 2 in (3.71 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 220 |
| Armament |
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HMS Andromache was a 32-gun frigate, a type of fast sailing warship, that served in the Royal Navy of Great Britain. She was launched in 1781 and had a long career of 29 years before being taken apart in 1811.
Contents
Building the Andromache
The order to build the Andromache was given on February 1, 1780. Her construction began in June 1780 at the Deptford Dockyard, a famous shipyard.
She was officially launched into the water on November 17, 1781. The ship was fully ready for service by February of the next year. The name Andromache comes from a strong female character in Greek mythology.
Andromache's Adventures
The Andromache had an exciting career, sailing to different parts of the world.
Serving in the West Indies
In 1782, under the command of Captain George Anson Byron, the Andromache played an important role in the Battle of the Saintes. She was part of a special group of ships that watched for enemy movements.
Along with two other ships, the Agamemnon and the Magnificent, the Andromache gave crucial information to Admiral Sir George Rodney. They reported everything that the French fleet, led by Comte de Grasse, was doing near Fort Royal. This information helped the British win the battle.
Thirteen years later, in 1795, the Andromache faced a powerful hurricane near Bermuda. The storm was so strong that it completely broke her masts, leaving her unable to sail properly. The ship also suffered other serious damage.
Patrols in the Mediterranean Sea
In 1796, while commanded by Charles Manfield, the Andromache had a fight with a 24-gun ship from Algeria. This Algerian ship was a "corsair," which was a type of pirate ship. The corsair attacked because it thought the Andromache was a Portuguese frigate.
During the battle, the corsair lost 64 of its crew members before it finally gave up. The Andromache showed her strength in this unexpected fight.
Journeys to North America
In 1799, the Andromache sailed to North America. Her job was to patrol the coast and keep the waters safe.
Two years later, in 1801, the Andromache teamed up with another frigate, the Cleopatra. They launched an attack on a group of 30 Spanish ships in the Bay of Levita, Cuba. As they approached, both British ships were hit hard by "grapeshot," which is a type of cannon ammunition that spreads out like a shotgun blast. Even with the damage, they managed to capture one Spanish gunboat.
End of Service
After nearly 30 years of service, the Andromache was taken apart in 1811. This happened at the Deptford Dockyard, the same place where she was built.
