HMS Restoration (1678) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 England |
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| Name | HMS Restoration |
| Builder | Betts, Harwich |
| Launched | 1678 |
| Fate | Wrecked, 27 November 1703 on the Goodwin Sands. |
| Notes |
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| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 70-gun third-rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 101291⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 150 ft 6 in (45.9 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 39 ft 8 in (12.1 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 | 104464⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | 150 ft 9 in (45.9 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft (5.2 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 70 guns of various weights of shot |
HMS Restoration was a powerful warship that sailed for England a long time ago. It was built in 1678 and was part of the Royal Navy, which is England's navy. This ship was named after a big event in English history called the English Restoration. It was a "third-rate" ship, meaning it had 70 guns and was quite large for its time.
Building and Early Life
The HMS Restoration was built by a company called Betts in a town called Harwich. It was launched, or put into the water for the first time, in 1678. This ship was known as a ship of the line. This means it was strong enough to fight in the main battle line of a navy.
In 1692, the Restoration took part in a big naval battle called the Battle of Barfleur. This was an important fight at sea. Later, in 1702, the ship was rebuilt at Portsmouth Dockyard. Even after being rebuilt, it remained a 70-gun third-rate ship.
The Great Storm of 1703
The Restoration met its end during a terrible event known as the Great Storm of 1703. This storm was one of the worst in British history. On November 27, 1703, the ship was wrecked on the Goodwin Sands. This is a dangerous area of sandbanks off the coast of Kent, England.
Sadly, all 387 people on board, including the ship's captain, Captain Emms, were lost. The wreck of the Restoration is now a Protected Wreck, meaning it is protected by law.
Discovering the Wreck
Local divers found the wreck site of the Restoration in 1980. At first, only a small area was protected. Later, in 1999, another part of the wreck was found. This led to a much larger area being protected.
It is thought that the Restoration lies under what is called the North Mound. Another ship, HMS Mary, which also sank in the same storm, might be under the South Mound. However, this is not fully confirmed. The site is close to other shipwrecks from the same storm, like HMS Stirling Castle and HMS Northumberland.
In 2006, experts from Wessex Archaeology explored the site. They found parts of the ship covered in copper, a cannon, lead pipes, and bricks from the ship's hearth. These findings help us learn more about the Restoration and its history.
