HMS Milford (1690) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 England |
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| Name | HMS Milford |
| Ordered | 28 June 1689 |
| Builder | Royal Dockyard, Woolwich |
| Launched | 18 March 1690 |
| Commissioned | 10 March 1690 |
| Captured | 1 December 1693 |
| Fate | Captured by French |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | 32-gun fifth rate |
| Tons burthen | 35562/94 bm |
| Length |
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| Beam | 27 ft 6 in (8.4 m) |
| Depth of hold | 10 ft 0 in (3.0 m) |
| Sail plan | ship-rigged |
| Armament |
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HMS Milford was a special kind of warship called a "fifth rate" built for the English Royal Navy. It was designed in 1689 and built at Woolwich Dockyard. This ship had many guns, including types known as demi-culverines, sakers, and minions.
After it was ready for service, HMS Milford sailed in areas like Newfoundland and near England. Its time in the navy was quite short. In 1693, the ship was captured by French forces.
Did you know that Milford was actually the second ship to have this name? The first HMS Milford was a smaller, 22-gun ship launched in 1654. It was sadly destroyed by accident in 1673.
Building HMS Milford
The order to build HMS Milford was given on June 28, 1689. It was constructed at the Royal Dockyard in Woolwich, England. A skilled shipbuilder named Joseph Lawrence oversaw its creation. The ship was officially launched into the water on March 18, 1690, meaning its main structure was complete.
Life at Sea: Its Service
HMS Milford officially began its naval service on March 10, 1690. Its first captain was Charles Hawkins. The ship's first mission was to protect the fishing areas around Newfoundland. Later, in 1692, Captain Rodger Vaughan took command. Under his leadership, the ship served in the North Sea.
The Capture of HMS Milford
On December 1, 1693, HMS Milford was sailing near Oxfordness when it met a group of four French ships. The French forces attacked and captured HMS Milford. During this battle, 16 members of the English crew were killed. After its capture, the ship joined the French Navy. It was known as Le Milford or Le Milfort and served the French until 1702.
