HMS Union (1811) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Union
Ordered	16 July 1801
Builder	Plymouth Dockyard
Laid down	October 1805
Launched	16 September 1811
Fate	Broken up, 1833
General characteristics
Class and type	Boyne-class ship of the line
Tons burthen	2,149 bm
Length	186 ft (57 m) (gundeck)
Beam	51 ft 5 in (15.67 m)
Depth of hold	22 ft (6.7 m)
Propulsion	Sails
Sail plan	Full-rigged ship
Armament	98 guns: Gundeck: 28 × 32 pdrs Middle gundeck: 30 × 18 pdrs Upper gundeck: 30 × 18 pdrs Quarterdeck: 2 × 18 pdrs, 12 × 32 pdr carronades Forecastle: 2 × 18 pdrs, 2 × 32 pdr carronades

The stern (back) view of HMS Union

HMS Union was a powerful warship of the Royal Navy built over 200 years ago. It was a "ship of the line," which meant it was big enough and strong enough to fight in the main battle line during naval wars.

Meet HMS Union

HMS Union was a large and impressive warship. It was known as a 98-gun second-rate ship of the line. This means it carried 98 cannons and was one of the biggest types of warships in the British fleet. It was built at Plymouth Dockyard and launched on 16 November 1811.

What Was a Ship of the Line?

During the 18th and 19th centuries, a "ship of the line" was the most important type of warship. These ships were designed to fight in a long line during sea battles. This formation allowed them to fire all their cannons at the enemy at the same time.

A "second-rate" ship like HMS Union was a very strong warship. It was just below the largest "first-rate" ships in size and power. These ships were crucial for controlling the seas and protecting trade routes.

Building a Mighty Ship

Building a ship like HMS Union took many years. The order for the ship was placed on 16 July 1801. Work began in October 1805 at Plymouth Dockyard. It finally launched on 16 September 1811. This long building time shows how complex and massive these wooden warships were.

Its Size and Power

HMS Union was a very large ship for its time. It measured about 186 feet (56.7 meters) long on its main gun deck. It was also about 51 feet (15.5 meters) wide. Its deep hull measured 22 feet (6.7 meters).

The ship was powered by sails, like all warships of that era. It had a "full-rigged ship" sail plan. This means it had three masts, each with square sails. These sails allowed it to travel across oceans.

Its Guns

The most important part of a warship was its cannons. HMS Union carried a total of 98 guns on different decks:

• Gundeck: This was the lowest deck where cannons were placed. It had 28 heavy 32-pounder cannons.
• Middle Gundeck: This deck had 30 cannons, each firing an 18-pound shot.
• Upper Gundeck: This deck also had 30 cannons, firing 18-pound shots.
• Quarterdeck: This deck was higher up and had 2 smaller 18-pounder cannons. It also had 12 powerful 32-pounder carronades. Carronades were shorter cannons that fired heavy shots over a shorter distance.
• Forecastle: This was the front part of the upper deck. It had 2 smaller 18-pounder cannons and 2 more 32-pounder carronades.

These many cannons made HMS Union a formidable opponent in any naval battle.

What Happened to HMS Union?

After its service, HMS Union was eventually taken apart. This process is called "broken up." It happened in 1833. Many old warships were broken up when they were no longer needed or became too old to be useful. Their wood and other materials were often reused.