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HMS Scarborough (1812) facts for kids

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'Armada'-'Conquestadore'-'Vangeur' class (1806) (note- too many ships to fit in the title field) RMG J3307.png
Scarborough
Quick facts for kids
History
Royal Navy EnsignUnited Kingdom
Name HMS Scarborough
Ordered 13 July 1807
Builder Graham, Harwich
Laid down January 1808
Launched 29 March 1812
Fate Sold, 1836
General characteristics
Class and type Vengeur-class ship of the line
Tons burthen 1745 bm
Length 176 ft (54 m) (gundeck)
Beam 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m)
Depth of hold 21 ft (6.4 m)
Propulsion Sails
Sail plan Full-rigged ship
Armament
  • 74 guns:
  • Gundeck: 28 × 32 pdrs
  • Upper gundeck: 28 × 18 pdrs
  • Quarterdeck: 4 × 12 pdrs, 10 × 32 pdr carronades
  • Forecastle: 2 × 12 pdrs, 2 × 32 pdr carronades
  • Poop deck: 6 × 18 pdr carronades

HMS Scarborough was a powerful sailing warship from a long time ago. It was part of the Royal Navy, which is the navy of the United Kingdom. This ship had 74 guns and was built in 1812. It was a type of ship called a "ship of the line," meaning it was strong enough to fight in the main battle line during naval wars.

Discovering HMS Scarborough

The HMS Scarborough was a very important ship in its time. It was built in a place called Harwich, in England. The ship was launched into the water on March 29, 1812. This vessel was designed to be a strong and reliable warship for the Royal Navy.

What Was a Ship of the Line?

A "ship of the line" was a large, powerful warship. These ships were designed to fight in a battle line, side by side with other similar ships. They were the main fighting ships of navies during the age of sail. The Scarborough was a "third-rate" ship. This meant it carried between 64 and 80 guns. Its 74 guns made it a formidable vessel.

Built for the Royal Navy

The Royal Navy was one of the most powerful navies in the world during the 1800s. Ships like the HMS Scarborough helped protect the country. They also guarded its trade routes across the oceans. Building such a ship was a huge project. It took many skilled workers, like shipwrights and carpenters, several years to complete. The Scarborough was ordered in 1807 and finally launched in 1812.

Life Aboard a Warship

Life on a ship like the Scarborough was very different from life today. Hundreds of sailors lived and worked together in a small space. Their main job was to operate the ship and its many guns. The Scarborough had 74 cannons of different sizes. The largest ones, called 32-pounders, were on the lowest gun deck. Smaller cannons and special short-range guns called carronades were on the upper decks. These guns were essential for defending the ship and attacking enemies. Sailors had to be very disciplined and work as a team to load and fire these heavy weapons.

The End of Its Service

After serving the Royal Navy for many years, the HMS Scarborough was eventually sold in 1836. This was a common practice for older warships. They were sold when they were no longer needed or when newer, more advanced ships were built. Even though its active service ended, the Scarborough played its part in the history of the Royal Navy.

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