HMS Illustrious (1803) facts for kids
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HMS Illustrious heading out of Table Bay (Thomas Whitcombe, cira 1811)
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Illustrious |
| Ordered | 4 February 1800 |
| Builder | Randall, Rotherhithe |
| Launched | 3 September 1803 |
| Fate | Broken up, 1868 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fame-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1746 (bm) |
| Length | 175 ft (53 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m) |
| Depth of hold | 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Illustrious was a powerful sailing warship of the Royal Navy. She was a "74-gun third-rate ship of the line." This means she carried 74 cannons and was one of the main types of warships used in battles during her time.
She was the second ship to be named Illustrious. This mighty vessel served the United Kingdom for many years.
Contents
Building a Warship: HMS Illustrious
HMS Illustrious was ordered on February 4, 1800. She was built by a company called Randall & Brent. Her construction took place in Rotherhithe, England. The very first part of the ship, her keel, was laid down in February 1801.
The ship was officially launched on September 3, 1803. This was a big event where the ship was moved into the water for the first time. After launching, she was completed at Woolwich.
What is a Ship of the Line?
A "ship of the line" was a large warship. It was designed to fight in a "line of battle." This was a naval tactic where ships formed a long line. They would sail past enemy ships, firing their cannons. These ships were the battleships of their era.
Adventures and Battles of HMS Illustrious
HMS Illustrious began her active service in the Channel Fleet. This was a group of ships protecting the English Channel. Her first captain was Sir Charles Hamilton.
Battle of the Basque Roads (1809)
One of her first big actions was the Battle of the Basque Roads in 1809. This battle took place off the coast of France. The British fleet attacked French ships. Illustrious played an important part in this victory. For her bravery, she earned a special "battle honour."
Later, she joined expeditions against the French. These missions aimed to block French ships in the docks at Antwerp. They also tried to make the Schelde River difficult for French ships to use.
Capturing Île de France (1810)
In 1810, Illustrious sailed to the Indian Ocean. On November 22, she was part of a fleet that captured Île de France. This island was a French colony. The British took control of it on December 3.
Invasion of Java (1811)
After this, Illustrious took part in the Invasion of Java (1811). This was another important battle in Indonesia. The British aimed to take control of the island of Java from the Dutch, who were allied with France.
Later Life and New Roles
After her busy years of fighting, HMS Illustrious needed some work. She was refitted at Portsmouth between 1813 and 1817. "Refitted" means she was repaired and updated.
After her refit, she was "laid up in reserve." This means she was kept ready but not actively used. She stayed in reserve until 1832 when she was brought back into service.
She was laid up again in 1845. But her story wasn't over. Illustrious took on several new jobs:
- Guard Ship: She served as a guard ship, protecting a port or area.
- Hospital Ship: She was used to care for sick or injured sailors.
- Gunnery Training Ship: From 1854, she became a training ship. Young sailors learned how to use cannons and other weapons on board.
HMS Illustrious continued as a gunnery training ship for many years. Finally, in 1868, she was "broken up" in Portsmouth. This means she was taken apart, marking the end of her long and important service.
