HMS Edgar (1668) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Edgar |
| Builder | Baylie, Bristol |
| Launched | 1668 |
| Fate | Burnt, 1711 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 72-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 994 |
| Length | 124 ft (38 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 39 ft 10 in (12.14 m) |
| Depth of hold | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 72 guns of various weights of shot |
| General characteristics after 1700 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1199 tons |
| Length | 153 ft 6 in (46.79 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 39 ft 9 in (12.12 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 70 guns of various weights of shot |
| General characteristics after 1709 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 1706 Establishment 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1120 tons |
| Length | 150 ft (46 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 41 ft (12 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft 4 in (5.28 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Edgar was a powerful warship from a long time ago. It was a "third rate ship of the line," which means it was a medium-sized battleship with many guns. Built in 1668, this ship served the British Royal Navy for over 40 years. It played a part in important sea battles before its sad end in 1711.
Contents
Building a Mighty Ship
HMS Edgar was a 72-gun warship. It was built by a shipbuilder named Baylie in Bristol, England. The ship was launched in 1668. This means it was put into the water for the first time.
A famous person named Samuel Pepys visited Bristol while the ship was being built. He was a naval administrator, meaning he helped manage the navy. Pepys thought Edgar would be a "fine ship." By 1685, it was carrying 74 guns.
Early Adventures and Battles
In May 1689, Edgar joined the Nine Years' War. This was a big conflict involving many European countries. The ship was led by Cloudesley Shovell. He later became a very important admiral in the Royal Navy.
During this war, Edgar was part of the Battle of Bantry Bay. This battle happened when a French fleet tried to land troops in Ireland. They were fighting against King William III. Edgar was there for the first part of this important sea fight.
Changes and Rebuilds
Warships like Edgar were often updated or rebuilt over time. In 1700, Edgar was rebuilt at Portsmouth Dockyard. After this, it became a 70-gun ship instead of 72.
The ship was rebuilt a second time in 1709. This time, it was done by Burchett of Rotherhithe. It was still a 70-gun ship, but it followed new design rules from 1706. It was relaunched on March 31, 1709.
The End of HMS Edgar
Sadly, HMS Edgar was destroyed by fire in 1711. This happened at Spithead, which is near Hampshire in England. Everyone on board the ship was lost in the fire.
The remains of the ship were cleared from the seabed much later, in May 1844. A large 32-pounder cannon from Edgar was found during this clearing. This cannon is now on display at the Tower of London. It is a reminder of this historic ship.
