HMS Essex (1679) facts for kids
Battle of Quiberon Bay: the Day After (Richard Wright, 1760) Essex is the more distant ship on its side, to the left of HMS Resolution
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 England |
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| Name | HMS Essex |
| Ordered | 20 February 1678 |
| Builder | Sir Henry Johnson, Blackwall |
| Launched | 1679 |
| Commissioned | 14 August 1679 |
| Honours and awards |
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| Fate | Wrecked in Quiberon Bay, 21 October 1759 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1,03189⁄94 tons (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 40 ft (12.19 m) |
| Draught | 18 ft 0 in (5.49 m) |
| Depth of hold | 16 ft 9.5 in (5.12 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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| General characteristics 1700 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1,08852⁄94 tons (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 40 ft 7.5 in (12.38 m) |
| Depth of hold | 16 ft 6 in (5.03 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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| General characteristics 1740 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 1733 proposals 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1225 |
| Length |
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| Beam | 43 ft 5 in (13.23 m) |
| Depth of hold | 16 ft 9 in (5.11 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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| Notes | By 1746 guns reduced to 64 by removing six 6-pounder guns |
HMS Essex was a powerful warship from England, known as a 70-gun third rate ship of the line. She was built in 1678-1679 by Sir Henry Johnson. This ship was very important in many naval battles over her long life.
Essex was rebuilt twice to keep her strong and ready for battle. She fought in major wars like the War of the English Succession, the War of Spanish Succession, and the Seven Years War. Her most famous battles include Vigo Bay, the Capture of Gibraltar, Velez Malaga, Passero, and Quiberon Bay. Sadly, she was wrecked in Quiberon Bay in 1759.
Essex was the second ship to carry this name in the Royal Navy. The first Essex was a 60-gun ship built in 1653, but she was captured by the Dutch in 1666.
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About HMS Essex
HMS Essex earned special honors for her bravery in several battles. These "Battle Honours" are like awards for ships that fought well. They include:
- Barfleur 1692
- Vigo 1702
- Gibraltar 1704
- Velez-Malaga 1704
- Passero 1718
- Quiberon Bay 1759
Building the First Essex
The order to build HMS Essex was given on February 20, 1678. She was built by Sir Henry Johnson in Blackwall, a part of London. The ship was ready and launched in 1679.
Her main deck, where many guns were placed, was about 150 feet (45.7 meters) long. She was about 40 feet (12.2 meters) wide. When first built, Essex was designed to carry 72 guns, but she usually carried 70. These guns included large demi-cannons and smaller 12-pounder guns.
First Years at Sea (1679-1698)
HMS Essex officially joined the navy on August 14, 1679. Her first captain was John Perryman. Over the next few years, she had several commanders, including Captain Anthony Hastings and Captain John Bridges.
Battle of Barfleur
In 1692, Essex took part in the huge Battle of Barfleur, which lasted from May 19 to 22. This was a very important battle in the War of the English Succession. After this, she served with the Dunkirk Squadron.
First Rebuild (1698-1700)
After years of service, Essex needed a major update. She was ordered to be rebuilt in 1698 by John and Richard Wells in Rotherhithe. Her new construction started in November 1698 and she was launched again in May 1700.
After this rebuild, her main deck was slightly longer, about 150 feet 4 inches (45.8 meters). She was also a bit wider, about 40 feet 7.5 inches (12.4 meters). She still carried around 70 guns, keeping her status as a powerful ship.
Service After Rebuild (1702-1736)
In 1702, HMS Essex was back in action under Captain John Hubbard. She joined Sir George Rooke's Fleet.
Battle of Vigo Bay
Essex played a key role in the Battle of Vigo Bay on October 12, 1702. She was the flagship for Rear-Admiral Sir Stafford Fairborne. In this battle, the English and Dutch fleets attacked a French and Spanish fleet carrying treasure. All enemy ships were either captured or destroyed.
Capture of Gibraltar and Velez Malaga
In 1704, Essex helped capture Gibraltar on July 23. She was part of the attack on the town. Soon after, on August 13, 1704, she fought in the Battle of Velez Malaga. During this tough fight, 13 of her crew were killed and 36 were wounded.
Later Service
Essex continued to serve in the Mediterranean Sea under different captains. In 1718, she was fitted for more service in the Mediterranean.
Battle off Passero
On April 11, 1718, Essex fought in the Battle off Passero. During this battle, she successfully captured a 36-gun Spanish ship named Juno. After this, she served as a guard ship until 1723, when she was taken apart to be rebuilt again.
Second Rebuild (1736-1741)
Essex was ordered to be rebuilt for the second time on May 20, 1736, at Woolwich Dockyard. Her construction started in August 1736 and she was launched on February 21, 1741.
This rebuild made her even larger. Her main deck was about 151 feet (46 meters) long, and she was about 43 feet 6 inches (13.3 meters) wide. She was designed to carry 70 guns, including 24-pounder and 12-pounder guns. By 1746, her gun count was reduced to 64.
Final Years of Service (1741-1759)
Essex was ready for duty again in February 1741. She sailed with Sir John Norris's Fleet in the Mediterranean.
Battle of Toulon
In 1744, under Captain Richard Norris, Essex was involved in the Battle of Toulon on February 11. She continued to serve in the Mediterranean for several more years.
Seven Years' War
In 1755, with the start of the Seven Years' War, Essex was recommissioned under Captain Robert Harland. She joined Admiral Sir Edward Hawke's Fleet. She was very active, capturing several French privateer ships, which were privately owned ships that attacked enemy merchant ships.
Operations Against French Ports
In 1758, Essex became the flagship for Commodore the Honourable Richard Howe. She took part in attacks against French ports like St Malo and Cherbourg. These operations aimed to disrupt French naval activities.
Battle of Quiberon Bay
In 1759, under Captain Lucius O’Brien, Essex fought in her last major battle: the Battle of Quiberon Bay on November 20. This was a decisive victory for the British Royal Navy against the French fleet.
Loss of HMS Essex
The day after the Battle of Quiberon Bay, on November 21, 1759, HMS Essex was chasing the French flagship Soleil Royal. Both ships ended up running aground and were wrecked in Quiberon Bay. This was a sad end for a ship that had served for so many years and in so many important battles.
