HMS Kent (1652) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Commonwealth of England |
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| Name | Kentish |
| Owner | British government |
| Ordered | 1 April 1652 |
| Builder | Henry Johnson, Deptford |
| Launched | November 1652 |
 England |
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| Name | HMS Kent |
| Owner | Royal Navy |
| Acquired | 1660 |
| Fate | Wrecked, 15 October 1672 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | frigate (fourth rate) |
| Tons burthen | 601 tons |
| Length | 107 ft (32.6 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 32 ft 6 in (9.9 m) |
| Depth of hold | 13 ft 6 in (4.1 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 180 in 1653 |
| Armament | 40 guns in 1652; 46 guns by 1666 |
The English ship Kentish was a powerful warship from the 1600s. It was first built for the Commonwealth of England Navy. This was a time when England was not ruled by a king or queen. The ship was launched in November 1652.
Later, in 1660, the monarchy was restored. This meant a king ruled England again. The ship was then renamed HMS Kent and joined the Royal Navy. It was a type of ship called a frigate. It had 40 guns when it was first built.
Contents
The Early Years of Kentish
The Kentish started its service in early 1653. Its first captain was Jacob Reynolds. The ship quickly saw action in major naval battles.
What Battles Did Kentish Fight In?
The Kentish fought bravely in the First Dutch War. This was a series of wars between England and the Dutch Republic.
Key Battles and Victories
- Battle of Portland: On February 18, 1653, Kentish was part of this important battle.
- Battle of the Gabbard: It also fought in this battle on June 2, 1653.
After these battles, Captain Edward Witheridge took command. The ship then spent the winter at Chatham Dockyard.
Adventures in the Mediterranean Sea
In 1654, Kentish sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. It stayed there for about a year and a half.
The Famous Porto Farina Attack
One of its most famous moments happened on April 4, 1655. The Kentish attacked a group of Tunisian warships. These ships were hiding in a place called Porto Farina. This was on the Barbary Coast in North Africa.
The Kentish not only defeated the enemy ships but also attacked a fort on the shore. This victory earned the ship its third special honor for bravery in battle.
HMS Kent and Later Wars
The ship continued to serve with distinction. It played a role in both the First Dutch War and the Second Dutch War.
What Happened to HMS Kent?
As HMS Kent, the ship was involved in more important battles.
Final Battles and Shipwreck
- Battle of Lowestoft: On June 13, 1665, Kent fought in this battle.
- St. James's Day Battle: It also took part in this battle on July 25, 1666.
Sadly, HMS Kent was wrecked in October 1672. It sank off the coast near Cromer.
Discovering Shipwrecks: A Mystery Solved
In 2007, the wreck of another ship, HMS Gloucester, was found. It was discovered about 28 miles (45 km) off the coast of Norfolk.
When the ship's bell was found, it helped identify the wreck. This proved it was HMS Gloucester. This was important because HMS Kent was the only other Royal Navy ship from that time known to have sunk in the same area. The bell helped solve the mystery!
