HMS Swiftsure (1750) facts for kids
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Swiftsure
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Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Swiftsure |
| Ordered | 31 August 1745 |
| Builder | John Hollond, Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | 26 January 1747 |
| Launched | 25 May 1750 |
| Commissioned | 27 July 1750 |
| In service | 1755–1763 |
| Out of service | 1763–1773 |
| Fate | Sold, 2 June 1773 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 1745 Establishment 70-gun third rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 142642⁄94(bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 45 ft 2 in (13.8 m) |
| Depth of hold | 19 ft 4 in (5.9 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 520 |
| Armament |
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HMS Swiftsure was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy, Great Britain's navy. It was a "70-gun ship of the line", meaning it carried 70 cannons and was designed for battles in a line formation. Launched in 1750, this ship played an important role during the Seven Years' War. After serving for many years, Swiftsure was taken out of service in 1763 and later sold in 1773.
Building a Warship
Swiftsure was built at Deptford Dockyard, a major shipbuilding place in England. The ship followed specific plans known as the "1745 Establishment." These plans were like blueprints for how warships of that size should be built. Swiftsure was officially launched on May 25, 1750, meaning it was put into the water for the first time.
Years of Service
Swiftsure officially joined the Royal Navy in August 1755. Its first captain was Captain Augustus Keppel. In 1756, Captain Matthew Buckle took command. The ship then joined different naval fleets, first under Admiral Henry Osborn and later under Admiral Edward Boscawen.
Battle of Cartagena
In 1758, Swiftsure had an exciting encounter. It teamed up with another British ship, HMS Monmouth, to fight a French warship called Le Foudroyant. The British ships managed to capture the French vessel. After the battle, Swiftsure towed the captured Le Foudroyant to join Admiral Osborn's fleet near Cartagena.
Later Battles
Swiftsure continued to be a busy ship. In 1759, it was again with Admiral Boscawen's fleet. They fought in two major battles that year: the Battle of Lagos and the Battle of Quiberon Bay. These were important victories for the British navy. Later, in 1761, Swiftsure also helped capture Belle Île, an island off the coast of France.
End of Service
After a busy career helping Great Britain in its wars, Swiftsure was taken out of active service in 1763. It was eventually sold on June 2, 1773, ending its time as a Royal Navy warship.
