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HMS St Andrew (1670) facts for kids

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HMS St Andrew at sea in a moderate breeze.jpg
'HMS St Andrew at Sea in a Moderate Breeze', oil on canvas, by Willem van de Velde the Younger
Quick facts for kids
History
Royal Navy EnsignGreat Britain
Name HMS St Andrew
Builder Christopher Pett, Woolwich Dockyard
Launched 4 October 1670
Renamed HMS Royal Anne
Fate Broken up, 1727
General characteristics as built
Class and type 96-gun first-rate ship of the line
Tons burthen 1298 bm
Length 129 ft (39 m) (keel)
Beam 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
Depth of hold 18 ft 8 in (5.69 m)
Sail plan Full-rigged ship
Armament 96 guns of various weights of shot
General characteristics after 1703 rebuild
Class and type 100-gun first-rate ship of the line
Tons burthen 1722 tons
Length
  • 170 ft (52 m) (gundeck)
  • 140 ft 6 in (42.82 m) (keel)
Beam 48 ft (15 m)
Depth of hold 19 ft 4 in (5.89 m)
Sail plan Full-rigged ship
Armament 100 guns of various weights of shot

HMS St Andrew was a very powerful warship of its time. It was a 96-gun first-rate ship of the line for the Royal Navy. This means it was one of the biggest and strongest ships. It carried many cannons on its decks.

The ship was built in England at Woolwich Dockyard. This was a famous place for building ships. Construction started under Christopher Pett. After he passed away, Jonas Shish finished the work. The ship was launched in 1670.

The Mighty HMS St Andrew

HMS St Andrew was an important ship in the Royal Navy. It was designed to fight in naval battles. Its many guns made it a formidable opponent.

Early Battles

In 1692, HMS St Andrew took part in a big battle. It was commanded by George Churchill. The ship helped the English navy win against the French fleet. This victory happened at the Battles of Barfleur and La Hogue.

A New Name and New Adventures

In 1703, the ship got a new name. It was renamed HMS Royal Anne. At the same time, it was rebuilt at Woolwich. The ship was made even bigger and stronger. It now carried 100 guns.

Serving as a Flagship

In 1707, Royal Anne became a flagship. This means it was the main ship for a high-ranking officer. Vice-Admiral of the Blue Sir George Byng used it as his command ship. The Royal Anne was part of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell's large fleet.

The Battle of Toulon

The fleet, including Royal Anne, went to fight in the Battle of Toulon. This battle was not successful for the British. However, Royal Anne continued to serve.

A Dangerous Journey

Later in 1707, the fleet faced a terrible storm. This event is known as the great naval disaster off the Isles of Scilly. Admiral Shovell and four other ships were lost. Nearly 2,000 sailors died in the disaster.

Luckily, Royal Anne survived the storm. It had little to no damage. The ship managed to reach Portsmouth safely.

The End of a Journey

After many years of service, Royal Anne was no longer needed. The ship was "broken up" in 1727. This means it was taken apart. Its materials were likely reused.

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