HMS Anne (1654) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 England |
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| Name | Bridgewater |
| Namesake | |
| Builder | Chamberlain, Deptford |
| Launched | 1654 |
| Renamed | HMS Anne, 1660 |
| Fate | Accidentally blown up, 1673 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Speaker-class frigate |
| Tons burthen | 743 |
| Length | 116 ft 9 in (35.6 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 34 ft 7 in (10.5 m) |
| Depth of hold | 14 ft 2 in (4.3 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 52 guns of various weights of shot |
The HMS Anne was originally known as the Bridgewater. It was a powerful warship built in England in 1654. This ship was a type of frigate, which means it was designed to be fast and strong. It carried 52 guns, making it a significant vessel for its time.
A Ship of Two Names
The ship was first named Bridgewater. It was built for the navy of the Commonwealth of England. This was a time when England was run by a parliament, not a king. The ship was launched in 1654 from Deptford, a famous shipbuilding area.
Renamed for a Princess
In 1660, a big change happened in England. The king returned to power in an event called the Restoration. Because of this, many things were renamed. The Bridgewater was given a new name: HMS Anne. It was named after Anne Hyde, who was the Duchess of York. She was also the wife of the future King James II.
The End of HMS Anne
The HMS Anne served for several years under its new name. However, its story came to a sudden end in 1673. The ship was accidentally blown up. This kind of accident could happen during a battle or due to an explosion of gunpowder on board.
Rebuilding Efforts
Even though the ship was destroyed, parts of it were later rebuilt. This reconstruction happened during the Second Dutch War. A shipbuilder named Christopher Pett oversaw the work in Woolwich. This shows how important these warships were to England's navy.
