HMS Terrible (1785) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Terrible |
| Ordered | 13 December 1781 |
| Builder | Wells, Rotherhithe |
| Laid down | 7 January 1783 |
| Launched | 28 March 1785 |
| Fate | Broken up, 1836 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Culloden-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 167917⁄94 (bm) ) |
| Length | 170 ft (52 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 47 ft 2 in (14.38 m) |
| Depth of hold | 19 ft 11 in (6.07 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Terrible was a large warship that belonged to the Royal Navy of Great Britain. It was a 74-gun ship of the line, which means it carried 74 cannons and was designed to fight in a line formation during sea battles. The ship was built in Rotherhithe and officially launched on March 28, 1785.
Contents
Life of a Warship
Early Years and Service
The HMS Terrible was a powerful vessel for its time. It was part of the Culloden-class, a group of similar warships. These ships were very important for protecting Britain's interests around the world.
Out of Active Service
In December 1813, the ship was "paid off." This means its crew was sent home, and the ship was taken out of active duty. It was then placed "in ordinary" at Sheerness Dockyard. Being "in ordinary" meant the ship was kept in good condition but not used for sailing or fighting.
The Terrible stayed out of service for many years, until 1829.
Temporary Roles
For a short time, between August 1822 and May 1823, the ship had a special job. It was used as a "receiving ship." This meant it was a temporary home for new sailors joining the navy. Both volunteers and men who were "pressed" into service stayed on board.
Later, from 1829 to 1836, the Terrible served as a "coal depot." It stored coal for the Navy's new steamships. These steamships needed a lot of coal to power their engines.
The End of Service
By March 1836, the Terrible was no longer needed, even as a coal depot. It was taken to Deptford Dockyard and "broken up." This means the ship was taken apart, and its materials were reused or scrapped.
