HMS Antelope (1703) facts for kids
HMS Antelope was a large warship of the Royal Navy with 50 cannons. She was launched in England in 1703. This ship was rebuilt once during her long career. She played a part in important conflicts like the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War.
Orders were given in 1738 for Antelope to be taken apart and rebuilt. This happened at Woolwich dockyard, and she was launched again in 1741. This rebuild made her stronger and more modern for her time.
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Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
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| Name | HMS Antelope |
| Builder | Taylor, Rotherhithe |
| Launched | 13 March 1703 |
| Fate | Sold out of the service, 30 October 1783 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 50-gun fourth rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 68480⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 131 ft 5 in (40.1 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 34 ft 4+1⁄2 in (10.5 m) |
| Depth of hold | 13 ft 9 in (4.2 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 50 guns of various weights of shot |
| General characteristics after 1741 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 1733 proposals 50-gun fourth rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 86044⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 134 ft (40.8 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 38 ft 6 in (11.7 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15 ft 9 in (4.8 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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Antelope's Adventures at Sea
In 1756, Antelope sailed from England to Gibraltar. She carried important admirals, including Sir Edward Hawke. Her mission was to deliver orders to replace Admiral John Byng. Antelope then brought Admiral Byng back to England.
Captures and Challenges
In 1757, Captain Samuel Hood took command of Antelope. She soon had a short battle near Brest, France. During this fight, the French ship Aquilon was forced onto rocks and destroyed.
Later, in 1758, Antelope captured a large French warship named Belliqueux. This French ship had been returning from Quebec. Antelope fired her cannons, but the French ship surrendered without firing back.
Not every mission was a success for Antelope. In 1759, she was part of a group of ships blocking the French commander François Thurot in Dunkirk. However, a big storm drove Antelope's squadron away. Thurot used this chance to escape with his ships and troops.
Protecting Newfoundland
In 1762, Antelope was stationed in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. Her commander, Commodore Thomas Graves, was also the Naval Governor of the colony.
A French fleet sailed into St. John's and captured the town. Captain Graves quickly sent for help. Other British ships arrived and blocked the French fleet. During another storm, the French commander managed to escape. He left his troops behind and sailed back to France.
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Rescues and Secret Papers
On her way back to England, Antelope met HMS Marlborough. Marlborough was in trouble, leaking badly and about to sink. Antelope bravely rescued all the people from Marlborough before she sank.
In 1778, under Captain Charles Holmes Everitt, Antelope captured an American schooner named "John".
Later, in 1780, Antelope was patrolling the coast of Labrador. She stopped an American ship called Mercury. As the ships got close, a package was thrown overboard from Mercury. A sailor from Antelope dived into the water and saved the package. It contained important secret papers about talks between the United States and the United Provinces. Because of this event, a place there is now called Antelope Harbour, Labrador.
The End of Antelope's Service
After many years of service, Antelope was sold by the Royal Navy on October 30, 1783.
