HMS Newcastle (1653) facts for kids
_-_02.jpg)
Portrait of HMS Newcastle by Willem van de Velde, 1676
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 England |
|
| Name | Newcastle |
| Namesake | Siege of Newcastle |
| Ordered | 17 February 1652 |
| Builder | Phineas Pett II, Ratcliffe |
| Launched | May 1653 |
| Fate | Wrecked, 1703 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fourth-rate frigate |
| Tons burthen | 631 |
| Length | 108 ft (32.9 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 33 ft 1 in (10.1 m) |
| Depth of hold | 13 ft 2 in (4.0 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 44 guns (1660); 54 guns (1677) |
Newcastle was a powerful warship, a type called a fourth-rate frigate. It was built for the English Royal Navy in 1653. This ship started with 44 guns. Later, by 1677, it carried even more, with 54 guns!
Contents
Meet HMS Newcastle
.jpg)
The Newcastle was built by Phineas Pett the Younger. It was launched in May 1653. This ship was designed to be fast and strong. It played an important role in many sea battles.
Early Adventures at Sea
The Newcastle saw its first action in 1655. It sailed with 14 other warships to Porto Farina in Algiers. Their mission was to fight Barbary Pirates. The English ships destroyed the entire pirate fleet. This victory earned Newcastle its first battle honor.
In 1657, the ship joined Admiral Robert Blake for a daring attack. They sailed to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Newcastle also fought in the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665. This was a major naval battle.
Capturing a Dutch Ship
On March 14, 1674, Newcastle was under the command of Sir John Wetwang. The ship successfully captured a Dutch East India Company vessel. This happened during the Battle of Ronas Voe. The captured ship was named Wapen van Rotterdam.
A Change of Sides
Before the Glorious Revolution in November 1688, George Churchill took command. The Newcastle was assigned to patrol the English Channel.
Just before Plymouth declared for William III, Churchill entered the port. He claimed the ship needed repairs. However, this was likely an excuse. The Newcastle was the first major warship to switch loyalty. Soon, other ships in the fleet followed. This was a big moment in English history.
The Final Storm
The long career of the Newcastle ended in 1703. The ship was wrecked at Spithead during the Great Storm of 1703. This was a terrible storm. Sadly, 229 of her crew members were lost.
