kids encyclopedia robot

HMS Barrosa (1860) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
History
United Kingdom
Name HMS Barrosa
Launched 10 March 1860
Out of service 1873
Fate Broken up in 1887
General characteristics
Class and type Jason-class corvette
Length 225 ft (69 m)
Propulsion Screw
Complement 240
Armament 21
The Red Battery opening fire on the corvettes, Bombardment of Shimonoseki, the War in Japan - ILN 1864 (cropped)
The Red Battery opening fire on the Allied corvettes, including Barrosa, at the Bombardment of Shimonoseki, 1864
The British Flying Squadron leaving False Bay, Cape of Good Hope - ILN 1869
Barrosa and the British Flying Squadron leaving False Bay, Cape of Good Hope on 18 October 1869

HMS Barrosa was a special type of warship called a Jason-class corvette. It was built for the British Royal Navy and launched on 10 March 1860. This ship had an exciting life, sailing to far-off places and even taking part in a battle! After many years of service, Barrosa was taken apart in 1877.

Meet HMS Barrosa: A Powerful Corvette

HMS Barrosa was built at Woolwich Dockyard in England. It was a large ship for its time, measuring about 225 feet (68.6 meters) long. That's longer than two basketball courts! It was also 41 feet (12.5 meters) wide and weighed about 1,700 tons.

Ship's Design and Weapons

As a corvette, Barrosa was designed to be fast and strong. It used a screw propeller for propulsion, which was a modern technology back then. The ship was armed with many powerful guns. It had 16 large 8-inch guns, one 7-inch gun, and four 40-pounder guns. These weapons made it a formidable force on the seas. A crew of 240 sailors worked and lived on board.

Exciting Missions and Adventures

HMS Barrosa took part in some important events during its time in service. These missions showed its strength and the bravery of its crew.

The Shimonoseki Battle (1864)

One of Barrosa's most famous moments was in 1864. It joined other ships in the Bombardment of Shimonoseki in Japan. This was a battle where British, French, Dutch, and American ships fired on forts in Shimonoseki. Barrosa played a key role in this action, helping to protect shipping routes.

Joining the Flying Squadron

From 1869 to 1873, Barrosa was part of a special group of ships called the Flying Squadron. This squadron was like a rapid-response team for the Royal Navy. These ships would sail around the world, showing the flag and being ready for any mission. Being part of the Flying Squadron meant Barrosa traveled to many different countries and experienced life on the open ocean.

End of an Era: Barrosa's Final Years

After years of service and exciting voyages, HMS Barrosa was taken out of active duty in 1873. The ship had served its purpose well, traveling the world and defending British interests. It was finally broken up, or scrapped, in 1877. Even though the ship no longer exists, its story lives on as an important part of naval history.

kids search engine
HMS Barrosa (1860) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.