HMS Unicorn (1634) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 England |
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| Name | HMS Unicorn |
| Namesake | Unicorn |
| Builder | Edward Boate |
| Launched | 1634 |
| Fate | Sold, 1688 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 46-gun Second rate ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 823 |
| Length | 107 ft (33 m) (keel) |
| Beam | 36 ft 4 in (11.07 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15 ft 1 in (4.60 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 46 guns (at launch); 56 guns (1660) |
HMS Unicorn was a powerful warship of the English Royal Navy. It was a "second-rate" ship, meaning it was a large and important vessel. The Unicorn had 46 guns and was launched in 1634 at Woolwich.
Contents
Early Days and Design Challenges
Shortly after the Unicorn was launched in 1634, King Charles I visited the ship. He even knighted her first captain, Sir John Penington, right on the ship's deck.
However, the Unicorn had a problem. Sir John Penington wrote a letter saying the ship was "tender sided" and "walty." This meant it wasn't very stable and couldn't hold its sails well. The ship's builder, Mr. Boate, explained that he had followed the given plans but had made the ship a bit wider than ordered.
To fix this, the Unicorn was taken to Gillingham. There, it was "furred," which means extra wood was added to its sides to make it wider and more stable. This made the ship much better for naval duties.
Ship's Armament and Crew
In 1636, a former pirate named Sir Henry Mainwaring became the captain of the Unicorn. The ship was originally armed with 46 cannons of different types. These included large guns like demi-cannon and smaller ones like sakers.
Over time, the ship's firepower was increased. By 1677, after a major refit, the Unicorn had 56 guns. Its crew also grew, from 250 men in 1636 to 410 men by 1666.
Service and Famous Captains
In 1639, the Unicorn helped patrol the English Channel, protecting England's waters. Later, during the Anglo-Dutch War, the ship escorted English merchant ships. It also fought against Turkish ships.
Captain Haddock's Family Connection
From 1648 to 1652, the Unicorn was commanded by Captain Haddock. He was the grandfather of a famous admiral also named Richard Haddock. During the English Civil War, Captain Haddock served both the King and later Parliament. He was even given a gold medal for his bravery in the Anglo-Dutch War. It was common for young boys to join ships as "apprentice officers," so his son and grandson likely served with him.
The Unicorn became famous in the Adventures of Tintin comic books by Herge. In the stories, a fictional ship called the Unicorn belonged to Captain Haddock's ancestor, Sir Francis Haddock. This fictional Unicorn was captured by pirates and later blown up by its captain. In 2011, this exciting story was made into an animated movie directed by Steven Spielberg.
Battles and Final Years
The Unicorn took part in many important naval battles. Its battle honors include Porto Farina in 1655, Santa Cruz in 1657, and several battles during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. These include Lowestoft (1665), Four Days' Battle (1666), Sole Bay (1672), Schooneveld (1673), and Texel (1673).
By 1660, the ship's armament had been increased to 56 guns, making it even more powerful. The HMS Unicorn served the Royal Navy for many years. It was eventually sold out of service in 1688.
