HMS Blake (1808) facts for kids
Blake leaving Port Royal, Jamaica. (Thomas Buttersworth)
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Blake |
| Ordered | 30 October 1805 |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | April 1806 |
| Launched | 23 August 1808 |
| Fate | Sold, 1816 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Modified Courageux-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1822 (bm) |
| Length | 180 ft (54.9 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 48 ft 0+3⁄4 in (14.6 m) |
| Depth of hold | 20 ft 10 in (6.4 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Blake was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy. It was a 74-gun ship, meaning it carried 74 cannons! This kind of ship was called a ship of the line, and it was launched on August 23, 1808. It was named after a famous admiral, Admiral Robert Blake.
A Night Attack at Tarragona
In 1812, HMS Blake was in the Mediterranean Sea. On September 26, it helped in a secret night attack on a town called Tarragona. The ship, along with another French ship called Franchise, provided support from the sea. Soldiers led by General Joaquín Ibáñez attacked the town on land.
The attack was a big success! The soldiers captured several small boats. The Spanish soldiers had a few injuries, but the British sailors on Blake had none. Captain Edward Codrington, who was in charge of Blake, was very impressed.
He wrote to General Ibáñez and to Admiral Sir Edward Pellew, who was the top commander in the Mediterranean. Captain Codrington said that his officers and crew did not want any prize money from the battle. They wanted the money to go to the Spanish troops instead. This was because they admired the bravery and good behavior the Spanish soldiers showed during the attack.
The Ship's Final Years
From 1814, HMS Blake was used as a prison ship. This meant it was a floating jail for prisoners. In 1816, the ship was sold by the navy.
