HMS Colossus (1803) facts for kids
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Hull plan for Colossus and Warspite
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Colossus |
| Ordered | 13 January 1798 |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | May 1799 |
| Launched | 23 April 1803 |
| Honours and awards |
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| Fate | Broken up, 1826 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 74-gun third-rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 188847⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 180 ft (55 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 48 ft 10 in (14.88 m) |
| Depth of hold | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Colossus was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy. She was a "74-gun third-rate ship of the line." This means she carried 74 cannons and was one of the larger warships of her time. She was built at Deptford Dockyard and launched on April 23, 1803.
Colossus was designed by Sir John Henslow. She was the lead ship of her class, meaning other ships were built like her. As a large 74-gun ship, she carried heavier 24-pounder cannons on her upper deck. One famous event she took part in was the Battle of Trafalgar. She was eventually taken apart in 1826.
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Colossus in the Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of major conflicts. They involved the French Empire and its allies against a group of European powers. Great Britain was a key player in these wars.
On August 27, 1803, Colossus helped recapture a ship called Lord Nelson. This ship was an East Indiaman, which means it was a large merchant ship. A French privateer ship had captured Lord Nelson two weeks earlier.
The Battle of Trafalgar
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Colossus played an important role in the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. This was a huge naval battle fought off the coast of Spain. The British Royal Navy, led by Horatio Nelson, defeated the combined fleets of France and Spain.
During the battle, Colossus was commanded by Captain James Nicoll Morris. She was part of the column of ships led by Admiral Collingwood. Colossus faced heavy fire from the enemy fleet.
She eventually got very close to the French ship Swiftsure (a 74-gun ship). Then, Colossus became tangled with another French ship, the Argonaute (also a 74-gun ship). During the intense fighting, Captain Morris was injured by a shot from Argonaute.
After this, Argonaute managed to break free from Colossus. But Colossus was still fighting hard. She was also battling the Spanish ship Bahama (a 74-gun ship) on her other side. Bahama surrendered after Colossus shot down her main mast.
Swiftsure also surrendered. This happened after Colossus and another British ship, Orion, worked together. They brought down Swiftsure's main and mizzen masts.
Colossus in the War of 1812
The War of 1812 was another conflict involving Great Britain. It was fought against the United States.
On March 24, 1812, Colossus was sailing with several other British warships. These included Tonnant, Hogue, Poictiers, and Bulwark. Together, they captured an American ship named Emilie.
Later, on January 5, 1813, Colossus teamed up with the frigate Rhin and the brig Goldfinch. They captured another American ship, the Dolphin. A little over a month later, on February 11, Rhin and Colossus captured the American ship Print.
What Happened Next?
After her active service, Colossus was placed in ordinary in 1815. This means she was kept in reserve at Chatham and not actively used. She was eventually broken up, or taken apart, in 1826.
