HMS Valorous (1816) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Valorous |
| Ordered | 28 November 1812 |
| Builder | Pater Dockyard |
| Laid down | March 1815 |
| Launched | 10 February 1816 |
| Completed | 26 March 1816 |
| Commissioned | February 1821 |
| Fate | Broken up by 13 August 1829 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Hermes-class post ship |
| Tons burthen | 513 53⁄94 bm |
| Length |
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| Beam | 31 ft (9.4 m) |
| Depth | 8 ft 9 in (2.7 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 135 |
| Armament |
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HMS Valorous was a sailing ship built for the Royal Navy in the 1810s. She was a 20-gun post ship, which was a type of warship. Valorous began active service in 1821. She sailed to places like the Caribbean and Newfoundland. During her time in service, two of her captains had to leave their commands. The ship was later put into reserve in 1826 and was taken apart in 1829.
Contents
About the Ship: HMS Valorous
Valorous was designed to be a strong and effective warship. She was part of the Hermes class of ships. These ships were known for their speed and ability to carry many guns.
Ship's Size and Features
Valorous was quite a large ship for her time. Her main deck, called the gundeck, was about 37 meters (121 feet 7 inches) long. The bottom part of the ship, known as the keel, was about 30.6 meters (100 feet 6 inches) long.
The ship's beam, or width, was about 9.4 meters (30 feet 11 inches). The depth of her hold, which is the space inside the ship for cargo, was about 2.6 meters (8 feet 9 inches). Her tonnage, which measures a ship's size, was 513 tons.
Ship's Weapons and Crew
Valorous carried a powerful set of weapons. She had eighteen 32-pounder carronades on her gundeck. Carronades were short, powerful cannons used for close-range fighting. She also had two 9-pounder cannons. These were used as chase guns, meaning they could fire forwards or backwards during a chase. The ship needed a crew of 135 sailors and officers to operate her.
Building and Service History
Valorous was the second ship in the Royal Navy to carry this name. Her construction began in 1812.
Construction Details
The ship was ordered on 28 November 1812. She was laid down (meaning her keel was put in place) in March 1815. This happened at the Pater Dockyard in Wales. Valorous was launched into the water on 10 February 1816. Her sister ship, Ariadne, was launched on the same day. The ship was fully finished on 26 March 1816 at Plymouth Dockyard. Her total cost was £11,726. After being built, she was kept "in ordinary," which means she was not in active service but ready if needed.
Years of Service
In March 1820, Valorous was changed into a 26-gun post ship at Plymouth Dockyard. This work finished in July 1821. Her first active service began in February 1821. Captain James Murray was her first commander. She was sent to the Newfoundland Station, an important naval area.
However, Captain Murray had to leave his command the next year. In August 1824, Valorous was recommissioned with Hans Francis Hastings, 12th Earl of Huntingdon, as her new captain. She was then sent to serve in the Caribbean. Sadly, Captain Hastings became very ill in 1825 and also had to leave his position.
After this, the ship was again placed "in ordinary" at Chatham Dockyard. She remained there from 1826 to 1829. By 13 August 1829, Valorous was broken up, meaning she was taken apart for her materials.
