HMS Investigator (1811) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Investigator |
| Ordered | 26 May 1810 |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | January 1811 |
| Launched | 23 April 1811 |
| Reclassified | Police ship in March 1837 |
| Fate | Broken up in October 1857 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | survey brig |
| Tons burthen | 121 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 19 ft (5.8 m) |
| Depth of hold | 10 ft 10+5⁄8 in (3.318 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | brig |
| Armament | 6 × 12-pounder carronades |
HMS Investigator was a special kind of ship called a survey brig in the Royal Navy. Her job was to explore and map the seas. She worked as a survey ship until 1835. After that, she became a police ship on the River Thames. The ship was taken apart in 1857.
Contents
Life of the Investigator
The Investigator was built at Deptford Dockyard. This was a famous place where many ships were made. She was designed by Henry Peake.
Early Missions
The ship started her work under Mr. George Thomas. Her first job was to survey the North Sea. She was based at Hosely Bay. Later, she was moved to the River Thames. In 1813, another master, George Trickey, took her to survey the waters around Ireland.
George Thomas's Long Service
By 1814, George Thomas was back in command. He stayed as the ship's master until 1835. He was a very important person for the Royal Navy. He was the first naval hydrographic surveyor to work continuously in the 19th century. This means he was always busy mapping the seas. People at the Admiralty (the Navy's leaders) thought highly of him.
Stormy Seas and Rescue
In 1819, the Investigator was prepared for sea again. George Thomas took command once more in 1819 and February 1825. On November 1, 1825, the Investigator was mapping the coast. Suddenly, strong gales hit her in the North Sea. The storm damaged her sides and swept away her boats.
There was a smaller boat, called a tender, named Star. It was feared that the Star had sunk with everyone on board. But luckily, another ship called the Amity managed to rescue the eight crew members from the Star. The Star was full of water, so its crew had to leave it behind.
Later Years and New Role
Thomas recommissioned the Investigator again in March 1831 and February 1834. Finally, the Investigator finished her survey duties in 1835. She was then taken to Woolwich.
In March 1837, the ship was changed into a police ship. She was anchored in the River Thames near Somerset House in London. This spot later became known as Waterloo Police Pier.
On April 19, 1842, the Investigator started to leak and sank. Seven police officers were on board at the time. Luckily, they were all rescued safely.
End of the Ship
The Investigator was later taken apart. This happened at Deptford on October 17, 1857.
