HMS Vanguard (1631) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 England |
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| Name | HMS Vanguard |
| Ordered | 29 October 1630 |
| Builder | Bright, Woolwich |
| Launched | 21 April 1631 |
| Fate | Sunk as a blockship in the Upper Medway, 12 June 1667 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 750 tons |
| Length | 112 ft (34 m) (keel length) |
| Beam |
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| Depth of hold | 13 ft 10 in (4.22 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Complement | 390 officers and men |
| Armament | 40 guns (1642); 56 guns (1660) |
HMS Vanguard was a powerful warship of the English Royal Navy. She was launched in 1631 at Woolwich, a famous shipbuilding area. This ship was the second one to be named Vanguard. She was officially "rebuilt" from an older ship, but probably only used some parts from it. When she was first built, she had 40 cannons. By 1660, she had even more, with 56 cannons!
A Famous English Warship: HMS Vanguard
HMS Vanguard played a big part in two major conflicts. These were the First and Second Dutch Wars. These wars were fought between England and the Netherlands over trade and control of the seas.
Vanguard's Role in Key Battles
Vanguard was a very important ship during these wars.
- In 1653, she was the flagship for General at Sea George Monck at the Battle of Portland. A flagship is the ship that carries the commander of a fleet.
- Later that same year, she was the flagship for Vice-Admiral Joseph Jordan. This was during the Battle of the Gabbard and the Battle of Scheveningen.
More Battles and Her Final Mission
Vanguard also fought in several battles during the Second Dutch War.
- In 1665, she was at the Battle of Lowestoft.
- In 1666, she took part in the Four Days Battle and the St James's Day Fight.
Her final mission was very unusual. In 1667, the Dutch fleet was threatening England. To stop them from attacking British ships, Vanguard was sunk on purpose. She was scuttled to create a barrier in the River Medway. This helped protect other British ships. After this, she was later sold.
