HMS Crown (1782) facts for kids
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Plan of the orlop deck of Crown
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Crown |
| Builder | Perry, Blackwall Yard |
| Laid down | September 1779 |
| Launched | 15 March 1782 |
| Fate | Broken up, 1816 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Crown-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1405 8⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 160 ft 5 in (48.90 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 44 ft 10 in (13.67 m) |
| Depth of hold | 19 ft 3.5 in (5.880 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Crown was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy, launched way back in 1782. She was a type of ship called a "64-gun third-rate ship of the line". This meant she carried 64 cannons and was a very important part of the British fleet during her time.
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Meet HMS Crown: A Historic Warship
HMS Crown was built in a famous place called Blackwall Yard in London. Construction started in September 1779, and she was ready to sail on March 15, 1782. Imagine a ship nearly as long as half a football field, powered only by huge sails!
What Was a Ship of the Line?
A "ship of the line" was the biggest and most powerful type of warship in the age of sail. They were called this because they fought in a "line of battle" formation. This meant ships would sail in a long line, side-by-side, to fire all their cannons at the enemy. HMS Crown was a "third-rate" ship, which was a common size for these mighty vessels.
How Many Guns Did She Have?
HMS Crown carried 64 cannons! These guns were placed on different decks:
- Lower Gundeck: 26 heavy 24-pounder cannons. These fired cannonballs weighing 24 pounds!
- Upper Gundeck: 26 lighter 18-pounder cannons.
- Quarterdeck: 10 smaller 4-pounder cannons.
- Forecastle: 2 small 9-pounder cannons.
Having so many guns made her a formidable opponent in naval battles.
Life of HMS Crown
After her launch, HMS Crown served the Royal Navy for many years. She was part of the British fleet that protected trade routes and fought in various conflicts around the world.
From Warship to Prison Ship
In 1798, HMS Crown was changed from a fighting warship into a prison ship. This meant she was used to hold prisoners, often captured enemy sailors or soldiers. Ships were often repurposed like this when they were too old for active battle but still strong enough to serve another role.
The End of Her Journey
After many years of service, first as a warship and then as a prison ship, HMS Crown was finally taken apart, or "broken up," in 1816. This is how old wooden ships were retired when they could no longer be used.
