HMS Resolution (1667) facts for kids
HMS Resolution in a gale by Willem van de Velde, the younger depicts HMS Resolution c. 1678.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 England |
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| Name | HMS Resolution |
| Builder | Deane, Harwich Dockyard |
| Laid down | 1665 |
| Launched | 1667 |
| Fate | Wrecked in the Great Storm of 1703 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third-rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 902 (bm) |
| Length | 148 ft 2 in (45.16 m) (gundeck); 120 ft 6 in (36.73 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 37 ft 2 in (11.33 m) ; after girdling 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 70 guns of various weights of shot (68 guns by 1685) |
| General characteristics after 1698 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third-rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 88537⁄94 bm |
| Length | 148 ft 2 in (45.16 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 70 guns of various weights of shot |
HMS Resolution was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy. It was a "70-gun third-rate ship of the line", which means it was a large ship with 70 cannons, designed to fight in naval battles. It was built in Harwich Dockyard, England, and launched on December 6, 1667. Only three ships of this type were designed by the famous ship architect Sir Anthony Deane.
Contents
The History of HMS Resolution
Resolution had an interesting career at sea. It was involved in several important events during its time.
Early Missions and Changes
In 1669, Resolution was the main ship in a mission against the Barbary Corsairs. These were pirates from North Africa. Later, it took part in a failed attack on a Dutch Smyrna convoy. This event helped start the Third Dutch War.
The ship was later "girdled." This means extra wood was added to its sides to make it a bit wider and more stable. In 1698, it went through a major rebuild. However, its main hull was not completely taken apart. By 1685, the ship had 68 guns. After its rebuild in 1698 at Chatham Dockyard, it was relaunched with 70 guns again.
The Great Storm and Its End
Resolution's story ended during the terrible Great Storm of 1703. This storm was one of the worst in British history. The ship was in Pevensey Bay, East Sussex. It hit a sandbank called the Owers Bank near Littlehampton. This happened before the crew could even get the sails up.
The storm then blew the damaged ship across the Solent. It limped on around Beachy Head. The ship was taking on a lot of water. Its captain, Thomas Liell, tried to get the ship safely onto the beach in Pevensey Bay. But he was not successful. The crew had to leave the ship, but thankfully, everyone made it safely to shore.
Discovering the Wreck of HMS Resolution
For many years, the wreck of HMS Resolution was lost. But in 2005, something amazing happened.
The Discovery by Divers
In April 2005, three divers found a very well-preserved shipwreck. They were about 1.5 miles offshore and 9 meters (about 30 feet) below the sea. They were trying to get a tangled lobster pot. Suddenly, a 12-foot anchor appeared! The divers, Paul Stratford, Martin Wiltshire, and Steve Paice, then found dozens of cast-iron cannons around a wooden hull.
They kept their discovery a secret at first. This was so experts from Wessex Archaeology could survey the site. They also needed to discuss how to protect it. The survey found at least 45 large cannons. There was also a mound of ballast (heavy material to keep the ship stable). Wooden ribs and planks were sticking out of the sand and silt on the seabed. All these clues suggested it was a large warship from between 1600 and 1800. It was very likely to be Resolution.
Protecting the Historic Site
In May 2006, the discovery was made public. The site was given official protection under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. This law stops anyone from diving within 100 meters of the wreck without permission. Culture Minister David Lammy announced this protection. Paul Stratford, Martin Wiltshire, and Steve Paice were given permission to look after the site. The wreck is now a Protected Wreck managed by .
Ian Oxley, a leader in maritime archaeology, said the ship was "a crucial part of England's seafaring heritage."
The Divers' Excitement
Paul Stratford, one of the divers, shared how exciting the discovery was:
"It was unbelievable. We went down there expecting to get some fishing junk and found a huge anchor. Visibility was poor but we kept finding cannon after cannon. We have been fishing and then diving in this area since we were kids, so were astonished to find this in our bay. It feeds your imagination about what else might be down there."
He added:
"Many people dive for years hoping to find something like this, but we really stumbled upon it. We've been diving for four or five years and fished here as well, and to find this on our own doorstep is unbelievable. There is the anchor, some cannon, a large area of brickwork which is believed to be the galley area, but the site hasn't been dug up or disturbed at the moment. We've only been recording what's down there. We've been working closely with English Heritage and the Nautical Archaeology Society in Portsmouth."
The divers quickly realized it was a big warship because of all the guns. The lack of any steel showed it was a wooden ship. Soon after, they found the hull structure. They believe it is HMS Resolution, though they need more proof to be completely sure.
What's Next for the Wreck?
If the wreck is proven to be HMS Resolution, it is already owned by the Nautical Museums Trust in Hastings. They bought the rights to the ship from the Ministry of Defence in 1985. Adrian Barak, a representative for the Trust, said:
"This is a hugely significant find. We can't say it is definitely Resolution but it is almost the exact right place. It is remarkable that this wreck hadn't been discovered before. It may be that the seabed was moved by winter storms which uncovered it."
The three divers are now the official caretakers of the site. They will help with maintaining, surveying, and any digging that happens. They will work with Wessex Archaeology and the Nautical Archaeology Society. They are also looking for money to help with the project. This funding will support surveys and tests that could help identify the ship for sure.
A special "dive trail" has been created for the site. This allows people to explore the wreck, either physically (if they are divers) or virtually (online).
