HMS Enterprise (1774) facts for kids
Painting of the hull model of HMS Enterprise by Joseph Marshall, 1777
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Enterprise |
| Ordered | January 1771 |
| Builder | Deptford Royal Dockyard |
| Laid down | 9 September 1771 |
| Launched | 24 August 1774 |
| Completed | 20 June 1775 |
| Commissioned | April 1775 |
| Fate | Broken up, August 1807 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Enterprise-class frigate |
| Tons burthen | 593 89⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 33 ft 6 in (10.21 m) |
| Depth of hold | 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 200 officers and men |
| Armament |
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HMS Enterprise was a fast warship called a frigate in the Royal Navy. It had 28 guns and was the first ship of its kind. Many other ships were later built based on its design.
Contents
Building the Enterprise
The Enterprise was built in Deptford Royal Dockyard in England. Its construction started in 1771. It was officially launched into the water in August 1774. The ship was ready for duty in April 1775. Captain Sir Thomas Rich was its first commander.
Interestingly, while the ship was being built, it became the subject of two famous paintings. These oil paintings were created by Joseph Marshall in 1777. They showed what the Enterprise would look like, even though they were based on its designs, not a real model. Today, these paintings are in different museums. One is at the National Maritime Museum and the other at the Science Museum.
Life at Sea: The Enterprise's Career
The Enterprise was very busy during the American Revolutionary War. It acted as a cruiser, meaning it sailed around looking for enemy ships. It also worked as a convoy escort, protecting groups of merchant ships.
A Fiery Night in Gibraltar
One exciting event happened on June 7, 1780, in the Bay of Gibraltar. The Enterprise, led by Captain Patrick Leslie, was anchored there with other British ships. Around 1:30 AM, the crew saw six boats drifting towards them. When challenged, the people on these boats set them on fire! Then they quickly escaped in smaller boats.
These flaming boats were heading right for the British ships. Captain Leslie quickly fired three warning shots. He also cut his anchor lines to move the Enterprise away from the danger. Then, he ordered his crew to shoot at the burning boats to try and sink them.
The Spanish fleet was waiting outside the harbor, hoping to catch any British ships trying to escape. So, British sailors bravely got into small boats. They risked their lives to board the flaming enemy boats. Their goal was to attach ropes and pull them away from their own ships. This way, the burning boats could safely burn out without harming the British fleet.
Adventures in the Caribbean
After serving in the Mediterranean Sea, the Enterprise sailed to the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. This was in April 1782, under the command of Captain John Payne.
Later that year, in October 1782, the ship was commanded by Captain William Carnegie. During this time, the Enterprise captured an American privateer ship called the Mohawk. A privateer was a private ship allowed by a government to attack enemy ships. The Royal Navy took the Mohawk into its own service for a short time before selling it in 1783.
The End of the Enterprise
The Enterprise finished its active service in May 1784. From 1790 onwards, it stayed in British home waters. It was used as a "receiving ship." This meant it was a floating station where new sailors would report. It also helped monitor foreign ships arriving in port.
In 1791, during a time when war with Spain seemed possible, the Enterprise was turned into a "hulk." A hulk is a ship that is no longer able to sail. It was used as a receiving ship for men who were forced into naval service (called "impressed men") at the Tower of London.
Finally, in 1806, the Enterprise was taken to Deptford. It was then "broken up" in 1807. This means it was taken apart for its materials.
Interestingly, another ship of the same class, HMS Resource, joined the Enterprise at the Tower in 1806. It also became a receiving ship. This was because many men were needed for the navy during the Napoleonic War. The Resource was even renamed Enterprise for a while. It was broken up in 1816.
