HMS Norwich (1745) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
|
| Name | HMS Norwich |
| Ordered | 30 September 1743 |
| Builder | Perry, Blackwall Yard |
| Launched | 4 July 1745 |
| Fate | Sold, 1768 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 1741 proposals 50-gun fourth rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 993 |
| Length | 140 ft (42.7 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft 2+1⁄2 in (5.2 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
|
HMS Norwich was a special kind of warship called a ship of the line. These were large, powerful ships used by the Royal Navy (Britain's navy) in the 1700s. They were designed to fight in a battle formation called a "line of battle."
Norwich was built in a shipyard called Blackwall Yard in London. She was officially launched on July 4, 1745. After serving for many years, she was sold out of the navy in 1768.
Contents
What Was a Ship of the Line?
A ship of the line was the biggest and strongest type of warship during the Age of Sail. They carried many cannons on several decks. Their main job was to fight in naval battles.
Fourth-Rate Ships
HMS Norwich was known as a "fourth-rate" ship. This was a way to classify warships based on how many guns they carried. Fourth-rate ships usually had between 50 and 60 guns. They were smaller than first-rate or second-rate ships, but still very important.
Building HMS Norwich
The design for HMS Norwich came from a set of plans called the "1719 Establishment." This was a standard set of rules for building warships for the Royal Navy. It helped make sure ships were built in a similar way.
Construction Details
Norwich was ordered on September 30, 1743. She was built by a company named Perry at the famous Blackwall Yard. This shipyard was well-known for building many ships for the British navy.
Ship's Design and Power
HMS Norwich was a full-rigged ship, meaning she had three masts with square sails. This design allowed her to travel across oceans using wind power.
Armament and Guns
Her main power came from her 50 cannons. These guns were placed on different decks:
- Gundeck: 22 large 24-pounder cannons.
- Upper Gundeck: 22 smaller 12-pounder cannons.
- Quarterdeck: 4 lighter 6-pounder cannons.
- Forecastle: 2 more 6-pounder cannons.
The "pounder" number (like 24-pounder) refers to the weight of the cannonball it fired. So, a 24-pounder fired a cannonball weighing 24 pounds!
Service and Fate
HMS Norwich served the Royal Navy for about 23 years. During this time, she would have patrolled seas, protected trade routes, and possibly taken part in conflicts. In 1768, she was no longer needed by the navy and was sold. This was a common end for many warships once they became too old or expensive to maintain.
