HMS Duncan (1811) facts for kids
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A painting of HMS Duncan, possibly by William Anderson, date unknown, from the Royal Museums Greenwich
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Duncan |
| Ordered | 13 July 1807 |
| Builder | Dudman, Deptford Wharf |
| Laid down | August 1807 |
| Launched | 2 December 1811 |
| Fate | Broken up, 1863 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Vengeur-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1761 bm |
| Length | 176 ft (54 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m) |
| Depth of hold | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Duncan was a powerful warship from a long time ago. It was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line for the Royal Navy. This means it was a large sailing warship with 74 cannons.
It was built in England and launched in 1811. After many years of service, it was taken apart in 1863.
Meet HMS Duncan
HMS Duncan was a very important type of warship. A "ship of the line" was a large sailing ship that could fight in a battle line. This was a special formation used by navies. The Royal Navy was the navy of the United Kingdom.
The ship was named after a famous admiral. It was designed to be strong and carry many cannons.
Building a Mighty Ship
The order to build HMS Duncan was placed on July 13, 1807. It was built by a company called Dudman at Deptford Wharf. This was a busy place where many ships were made.
The actual building work started in August 1807. It took several years to complete such a big ship. Finally, HMS Duncan was launched on December 2, 1811. This means it was put into the water for the first time.
What Was It Like?
HMS Duncan was a very large ship for its time. It was about 176 feet (53.6 meters) long on its main gun deck. It was also about 47 feet (14.5 meters) wide. These ships were powered by large sails. They were known as full-rigged ships.
The ship carried a total of 74 cannons. These cannons were placed on different decks:
- Gundeck: 28 large 32-pounder cannons. These fired heavy cannonballs.
- Upper gundeck: 28 medium 18-pounder cannons.
- Quarterdeck: 4 smaller 12-pounder cannons and 10 large 32-pounder carronades. Carronades were shorter, powerful cannons.
- Forecastle: 2 smaller 12-pounder cannons and 2 large 32-pounder carronades.
- Poop deck: 6 medium 18-pounder carronades.
These cannons made HMS Duncan a formidable fighting machine.
End of Service
By 1834, HMS Duncan was no longer used for active sailing battles. It was placed on "harbour service." This means it stayed in a port and was used for other duties. It might have been a training ship or a storage ship.
After many years of service, the ship was finally "broken up" in 1863. This means it was taken apart. Its materials, like wood and metal, were reused.
