HMS Northumberland (1679) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 England |
|
| Name | HMS Northumberland |
| Builder | Baylie, Bristol |
| Launched | June 1679 |
| Fate | Wrecked, 27 November 1703, on the Goodwin Sands |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third-rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 104123⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 152 ft (46.3 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 40 ft 4 in (12.3 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft (5.2 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 70 guns of various weights of shot |
| General characteristics after 1702 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third-rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 110571⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 152 ft (46.3 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 40 ft 4 in (12.3 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft 3 in (5.3 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 70 guns of various weights of shot |
HMS Northumberland was a powerful warship from England. It was a 70-gun ship, meaning it carried 70 cannons! This type of ship was called a third-rate ship of the line. It was built in Bristol and launched in June 1679.
Contents
A Ship of War
HMS Northumberland was an important ship in its time. It took part in a big conflict called the War of the Grand Alliance. This war involved many European countries.
In 1702, the ship was rebuilt at Chatham Dockyard. This was like giving it a major upgrade. However, its story ended sadly the very next year.
The Great Storm of 1703
On November 27, 1703, a terrible event happened. A huge storm, known as the Great Storm of 1703, hit England. HMS Northumberland was caught in this storm.
The ship was lost with all 253 crew members. It sank on the Goodwin Sands, a dangerous area of sandbanks off the coast of Kent. Today, the wreck is a Protected Wreck site. It is looked after by Historic England.
Discovering the Wreck
The remains of the Northumberland lie near other ships lost in the same storm. These include the Stirling Castle, Restoration, and Mary.
Finding the Ship
Recreational divers found the Northumberland and the Mary in 1980. The Mary was first thought to be the Restoration. Because of their historical importance, these wreck sites were made special protected areas. This happened in 1981 under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
Exploring the Site
Over many years, a group called the Archaeological Diving Unit (ADU) explored the wreck. They used special tools like a magnetometer to find metal objects. They also used side-scan sonar to create pictures of the seabed.
Divers found many interesting things. They discovered a ship's bell and a stock (part of an anchor). These items had a special naval arrow mark and a date. They also found cannons, two copper cauldrons, and an anchor.
The wreck site is a large mound about 40 meters (131 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) wide. It lies on the western edge of the Goodwin Sands. Some parts of the wreck stick up about 3 meters (10 feet) from the seabed. However, much of the ship is still buried under the sand.
A thick layer of young mussels covers most of the wreck. This makes it hard for divers to see and identify everything. There is a clear part of the ship's structure. It has large timbers and some exposed wooden planks. This might be where the ship's ribs were located.
