HMS Orpheus (1809) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Orpheus |
| Ordered | 27 February 1808 |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | August 1808 |
| Launched | 12 August 1809 |
| Completed | By 21 September 1809 |
| Fate | Broken up in August 1819 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Apollo-class frigate |
| Tons burthen | 94728⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 145 ft (44.2 m) (gundeck); 121 ft 8+3⁄4 in (37.1 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 38 ft 3 in (11.7 m) |
| Depth of hold | 13 ft 4 in (4.1 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 264 |
| Armament |
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HMS Orpheus was a fast sailing ship, known as a frigate, that belonged to the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. She was part of the Apollo-class of ships and carried 36 guns. Built in 1809, she served for about ten years before being taken apart in 1819.
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Building a ship like HMS Orpheus took a lot of planning and work. The order to build her was given on 27 February 1807. Workers at Deptford Dockyard started building her in August 1808.
She was officially launched into the water on 12 August 1809. By 21 September 1809, HMS Orpheus was fully ready for duty.
Adventures and Service at Sea
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HMS Orpheus was an active ship, especially during the War of 1812. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain.
Chasing the Holkar
One exciting event happened in Long Island Sound. Orpheus was chasing an American ship called the Holkar. The Holkar was a "privateer," which was a private ship allowed by its government to attack enemy ships. Orpheus managed to corner the Holkar, forcing it to run aground. After that, Orpheus used its cannons to destroy the stranded ship.
Blockading the American Fleet
Orpheus was also part of a group of British ships that patrolled Long Island Sound. They once chased an American fleet, led by Stephen Decatur, all the way to New London. The American ships managed to escape into the harbor. The British squadron then set up a blockade, which meant they surrounded the harbor to prevent the American ships from leaving. This blockade lasted until the war ended.
Encounter with the Whampoa
On 27 April, Orpheus chased another American ship named Whampoa. The Whampoa was sailing near Newport, Rhode Island. Orpheus forced the Whampoa onto the shore. The British sailors took control of the Whampoa. However, they had to leave it behind because of gunfire from the shore.
The End of HMS Orpheus
After her years of service, HMS Orpheus was no longer needed. She was taken to Chatham Dockyard in August 1819. There, she was "broken up," which means she was carefully taken apart.
