HMS Boscawen (1844) facts for kids
HMS Boscawan in later life as the training ship Wellesley, 1904
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Boscawen |
| Ordered | 11 May 1817 |
| Builder | Woolwich Dockyard |
| Laid down | January 1826 |
| Launched | 3 April 1844 |
| Renamed | Wellesley 1873 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 2048 tons |
| Length | 187 ft 4+1⁄2 in (57.1 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 50 ft 9 in (15.47 m) |
| Depth of hold | 21 ft 6 in (6.55 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Boscawen was a large sailing warship of the Royal Navy. It was known as a "ship of the line." These ships were powerful warships that fought in lines during sea battles. Boscawen had 70 guns, making it a "third-rate" ship. It was built at Woolwich Dockyard in England. The ship was launched on April 3, 1844.
Contents
Building a Mighty Warship
The idea for HMS Boscawen started much earlier. It was first ordered in 1812. The building process began, but then the order was stopped. The wooden parts for the ship were put into storage.
A New Design for an Old Order
Years later, in 1834, the British Navy decided to use these stored parts. They were redesigned by Sir William Symonds. This new plan allowed the ship to finally be built. The ship was named after Admiral Edward Boscawen, a famous naval commander.
A New Role: Training Ship Wellesley
In 1873, HMS Boscawen took on a new job. It became a training ship for young sailors. It replaced another ship named Wellesley at the Wellesley Nautical School. Because of its new role, HMS Boscawen was renamed Wellesley.
The End of Wellesley
The ship's long life came to an end on March 11, 1914. While docked on the River Tyne at North Shields, Wellesley caught fire. The fire destroyed the ship, and it sank at its moorings. The ship was a complete loss. Its remains were taken apart later that same year.
