HMS Russell (1692) facts for kids

HMS Russell
Quick facts for kids History
Great Britain
Name	HMS Russell
Builder	Stigant, Portsmouth Dockyard
Launched	3 June 1692
Fate	Sunk as breakwater, 1762
General characteristics as built
Class and type	80-gun third rate ship of the line
Tons burthen	1,177
Length	155 ft 6 in (47.4 m) (gundeck)
Beam	41 ft 6 in (12.6 m)
Depth of hold	17 ft 4 in (5.3 m)
Propulsion	Sails
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Armament	80 guns of various weights of shot
General characteristics after 1709 rebuild
Class and type	1706 Establishment 80-gun third rate ship of the line
Tons burthen	1,294
Length	156 ft (47.5 m) (gundeck)
Beam	43 ft 6 in (13.3 m)
Depth of hold	17 ft 8 in (5.4 m)
Propulsion	Sails
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Armament	80 guns: Gundeck: 26 × 32 pdrs Middle gundeck: 26 × 12 pdrs Upper gundeck: 24 × 6 pdrs Quarterdeck: 4 × 6 pdrs
General characteristics after 1735 rebuild
Class and type	1719 Establishment 80-gun third rate ship of the line
Tons burthen	1,350
Length	158 ft (48.2 m) (gundeck)
Beam	44 ft 6 in (13.6 m)
Depth of hold	18 ft 2 in (5.5 m)
Propulsion	Sails
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Armament	80 guns: Gundeck: 26 × 32 pdrs Middle gundeck: 26 × 12 pdrs Upper gundeck: 24 × 6 pdrs Quarterdeck: 4 × 6 pdrs

HMS Russell was a powerful warship that belonged to the Royal Navy of Great Britain. It was an 80-gun ship of the line, which means it was a large ship designed for naval battles. The ship was built at Portsmouth Dockyard and first set sail on June 3, 1692.

The Mighty HMS Russell

HMS Russell was known as a "third rate" ship. This classification was based on the number of guns it carried. An 80-gun ship was very strong and important for the navy. It was built to fight in the main battle line against enemy ships.

First Rebuild: More Decks!

Russell (1709 plan) showing its design after the 1709 rebuild.

Over time, ships needed updates to stay strong and effective. HMS Russell had its first major rebuild at Rotherhithe. This work was done following the "1706 Establishment" rules. These rules were like a blueprint for how ships should be built.

The ship was relaunched on March 16, 1709. When it was first built, its 80 guns were spread across two decks. After this rebuild, the guns were placed on three decks instead! Even with this change, it was still called a "third rate" ship.

Second Rebuild: Bigger and Stronger

HMS Russell went through another big change years later. On February 4, 1729, it was decided that the ship would be taken apart and rebuilt again. This time, the rebuild followed the "1719 Establishment" guidelines.

This second rebuild happened at Deptford. The ship was relaunched for the second time on September 8, 1735. Each rebuild made the ship a bit larger and stronger, keeping it ready for naval duties.

Final Resting Place

After many years of service, HMS Russell was no longer needed for battle. In 1762, it was decided to sink the ship. It was used as a "breakwater." A breakwater is a structure that protects a harbor or coastline from strong waves. So, even in its final role, HMS Russell continued to serve, helping to keep other ships safe.