HMS Swan (1694) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 England |
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| Name | HMS Swan |
| Ordered | 2 May 1694 |
| Builder | Robert & John Castle, Deptford |
| Launched | 13 September 1694 |
| Commissioned | 2 June 1695 |
| Fate | Lost with all hands 17 August 1707 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | 20-gun Sixth Rate |
| Tons burthen | 249+29⁄94 bm |
| Length |
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| Beam | 24 ft 6 in (7.5 m) for tonnage |
| Depth of hold | 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m) |
| Armament |
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HMS Swan was a small warship built for the English Navy. It was a "Sixth Rate" ship, meaning it was one of the smaller types of warships. It had 20 cannons.
The ship was part of a group of similar ships built around the end of the 1600s. After it was ready for duty, it sailed to the West Indies. Later, it served closer to home in the Irish Sea and the English Channel. HMS Swan then returned to the West Indies, where it was sadly lost in a big storm in 1707.
The name Swan (sometimes spelled Swann) was quite popular for ships. This particular Swan was the eleventh ship to carry that name in the English navy. The first Swan was a small ship bought way back in 1417.
Building HMS Swan
The order to build HMS Swan was given on May 2, 1694. It was one of eight ships ordered at that time. The ship was built by Robert and John Castle in Deptford, England.
The builders worked quickly. HMS Swan was launched into the water on September 13, 1694. This means it was ready to be fitted out with its masts, rigging, and cannons.
Ship's Size and Cannons
HMS Swan was measured using an old system called "Builder's Old Measurement." It was about 249 tons.
It was about 93 feet (28 meters) long on its main gun deck. The ship was about 24 feet (7.5 meters) wide. Its main storage area, called the hold, was about 10 feet (3.2 meters) deep.
When first built, HMS Swan had 20 cannons called "sakers" on its upper deck. It also had four smaller "3-pounder" cannons on its quarterdeck. Later, around 1703, its cannons were updated. It then carried 20 "6-pounder" cannons and four "4-pounder" cannons. These numbers refer to the weight of the cannonballs they fired.
Life at Sea: HMS Swan's Service
HMS Swan was officially ready for duty on June 2, 1695. Its first captain was Captain Timothy Bridges. The ship's first mission was to sail to the West Indies as part of a naval group.
Captain Thomas Kenny took command in August 1695. After its time in the West Indies, HMS Swan returned to England in 1696. It then served in the Irish Sea, patrolling those waters.
In August 1697, Captain William Bloyes became the commander. The ship was then assigned to the English Channel. Captain Thomas Day took over from 1699 to 1700, serving again in the Irish Sea. Captain Bloyes returned to command from 1702 to 1705, staying in the Irish Sea.
In 1706, Commander Robert Clarke became the captain. HMS Swan was sent back to the West Indies, specifically the Leeward Islands. Commander Charles Howard took command in 1707.
The Final Voyage
HMS Swan was lost at sea on August 17, 1707. It is believed the ship sank during a powerful tropical storm. Sadly, everyone on board was lost.
