HMS Swiftsure (1621) facts for kids
HMS Swiftsure captured, by Willem van de Velde the Younger
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 England |
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| Name | HMS Swiftsure |
| Builder | Burrell, Deptford |
| Launched | 1621 |
| Captured | By the Dutch on 1 June 1666 |
| Notes |
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 Dutch Republic |
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| Acquired | 1666 |
| Renamed | Oudshoorn |
| Notes |
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| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 42-gun Great ship |
| Tons burthen | 876 |
| Length | 106 ft (32 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 35 ft 10 in (10.92 m) |
| Depth of hold | 16 ft 9 in (5.11 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 42 guns of various weights of shot |
| General characteristics after 1654 rebuild | |
| Class and type | 60-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 898 |
| Length | 118 ft (36 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m) |
| Depth of hold | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 60 guns of various weights of shot |
HMS Swiftsure was a powerful warship built in England in 1621. It had 42 guns and was part of the Royal Navy, England's main sea force. It was called a "great ship" because of its size and importance.
Contents
A Ship's New Look
In 1654, Swiftsure was rebuilt to be even stronger. This work happened at Woolwich and made the ship much more powerful.
Becoming a Ship of the Line
After its rebuild, Swiftsure became a 60-gun "ship of the line". This term meant it was a very important warship. Ships of the line were strong enough to fight in the main battle line during sea battles.
A Special Journey
In May 1660, Swiftsure had a special job. It carried Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester, an important royal family member, from Scheveningen to Dover. This journey was part of a big event called the English restoration, when the king returned to power in England.
Battle and Capture
Swiftsure played a big role in the Four Days' Battle in 1666. This was a huge sea fight between England and the Dutch.
The Battle Begins
On the first day of the battle, June 1, Swiftsure was the lead ship for the English fleet. It was commanded by Vice-Admiral Sir William Berkeley.
Surrounded and Captured
During the battle, Swiftsure sailed ahead of its group and ended up surrounded by Dutch ships. After a fierce fight, Vice-Admiral Berkeley was killed. The Dutch then captured Swiftsure.
A New Name and Flag
After being captured, the Dutch renamed the ship Oudshoorn. They also changed parts of the ship to make it look different. This was done to hide its true identity as a former English warship.
Fighting for the Dutch
As Oudshoorn, the ship continued to fight in battles. It took part in the Battle of Solebay in 1672, under the command of Thomas Tobias.
