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HMS Thunderer (1831) facts for kids

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H.M.S. Thunderer 84 guns, launched at Woolwich on Septr 22 1831 (with inset view of the New Basin) RMG PY0845.jpg
Thunderer launched at Woolwich on 22 September 1831 (with inset a view of the New Basin)
Quick facts for kids
History
Royal Navy EnsignUnited Kingdom
Name HMS Thunderer
Ordered 23 January 1817
Builder Woolwich Dockyard
Laid down April 1823
Launched 22 September 1831
Renamed
  • HMS Comet, 1869
  • HMS Nettle, 1870
Fate Sold to be broken up, 1901
Notes Hulked, 1863
General characteristics
Class and type Canopus-class ship of the line
Tons burthen 2255 bm
Length 193 ft 10 in (59.08 m) (gundeck)
Beam 52 ft 4.5 in (15.964 m)
Depth of hold 22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
Propulsion Sails
Sail plan Full-rigged ship
Complement 700 officers and men
Armament
  • 84 guns:
  • Gundeck: 28 × 32 pdrs, 2 × 68 pdr carronades
  • Upper gundeck: 32 × 24 pdrs
  • Quarterdeck: 6 × 24 pdrs, 10 × 32 pdr carronades
  • Forecastle: 2 × 24 pdrs, 4 × 32 pdr carronades
Ebenezer Landells - The Thunderer, Man-of-War firing a Royal Salute on her Majesties arrival at Walmer Castle - 1842
The Thunderer, Man-of-War firing a Royal Salute on her Majesties arrival at Walmer Castle (1842) by Ebenezer Landells

HMS Thunderer was a powerful sailing warship. She was a "ship of the line" with 84 guns. This means she was one of the biggest and strongest ships of her time.

She was built for the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. Thunderer was launched on September 22, 1831. This happened at the Woolwich Dockyard, a famous shipbuilding place.

What Was a Ship of the Line?

A ship of the line was a large warship built between the 17th and mid-19th centuries. These ships were designed to fight in a "line of battle." This was a naval tactic where ships formed a line to fire their cannons at enemy ships.

Thunderer's Design

Thunderer was a modified version of the Canopus/Formidable-class ships. These ships were known for their strong build. They had two main decks where cannons were placed.

Ship's Size and Power

Thunderer was quite large for her time. She was about 193 feet long. Her main power came from her 84 guns. These included heavy 32-pounder cannons and smaller 24-pounder cannons. She also carried powerful carronades, which were shorter, lighter cannons.

Life of HMS Thunderer

Thunderer served the Royal Navy for many years. She was a symbol of British naval power. Her job was to protect trade routes and defend the country.

Later Years and Renaming

By 1863, Thunderer was no longer needed as an active warship. She was then "hulked," meaning she became a stationary ship. She was used as a target ship for training at Portsmouth.

In 1869, her name was changed to Comet. Just a year later, in 1870, she was renamed again to Nettle.

End of Service

HMS Nettle was eventually sold in December 1901. She was bought by a company called Messrs. King & Co. They broke her up for parts. This was the end of a long career for this historic ship.

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