HMS Scarborough (1711) facts for kids
HMS Scarborough was a special ship that served in the British Royal Navy a long time ago. It was built to help protect the seas and keep them safe from dangers like pirates.
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What Was HMS Scarborough?
HMS Scarborough was a sailing ship built in 1711 at a place called Sheerness Dockyard in England. A dockyard is like a big shipyard where ships are built and repaired. When it was first launched, it was a "fifth-rate" ship, which meant it had 32 cannons. These cannons were important for defending itself and attacking enemy ships or pirates. Its captain was a person named Tobias Hume.
Adventures Against Pirates
The Scarborough played a role in keeping the seas safe from pirates. In 1717, near an island called Saint Croix, the Scarborough helped stop some pirate ships. It managed to destroy a pirate galley (a type of ship powered by oars and sails) and a sloop (a smaller sailing ship). Even though the pirates themselves got away, the Scarborough helped to clear the waters of their vessels.
Meeting Famous Pirates
The Scarborough also had encounters with some well-known pirates of its time. In February 1717, near an island called Nevis, the ship was close to the famous pirate Blackbeard and his crew. Records from that time suggest that Blackbeard's pirates knew the Scarborough was a strong warship and chose not to engage with it directly. They preferred to avoid a fight with such a powerful ship.
A New Role and Retirement
Years later, in 1720, the Scarborough was rebuilt at another dockyard called Deptford Dockyard. After this rebuild, it became a "sixth-rate" ship, meaning it was a bit smaller and carried 20 cannons instead of 32. The ship continued its service for many more years. Finally, in 1739, after a long and active life at sea, HMS Scarborough was sold. This usually meant the ship was no longer needed by the Royal Navy and was taken apart or used for other purposes.
