HMS Venerable (1784) facts for kids
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|} HMS Venerable was a very large warship, known as a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line. This means she carried 74 cannons and was one of the most powerful ships in the Royal Navy (the British Navy) at the time. She was built at Blackwall Yard and first set sail on April 19, 1784.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Great Britain |
|
| Name | HMS Venerable |
| Ordered | 9 August 1781 |
| Builder | Perry, Wells & Green, Blackwall Yard |
| Laid down | April 1782 |
| Launched | 19 April 1784 |
| Fate | Wrecked 24 November 1804 |
| Notes |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Culloden-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1669 (bm) |
| Length | 170 ft (51.8 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 47 ft 2 in (14.4 m) |
| Depth of hold | 19 ft 11 in (6.1 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
|
A Mighty Warship's Adventures
Venerable had an exciting but challenging career serving the British Navy. She took part in several important battles and faced many dangers at sea.
Battles and Key Events
In 1795, Captain James Bissett was in charge of Venerable. Her most famous moment came a few years later.
The Battle of Camperdown
In 1797, Venerable became the main ship, or flagship, for Admiral Duncan. This was during the Battle of Camperdown, a huge sea battle. The British fleet, led by Admiral Duncan on Venerable, fought against the Dutch fleet. It was a major victory for the British.
The Algeciras Battles
In 1801, Venerable was involved in two more battles. These were the First Battle of Algeciras on July 6, and the Second Battle of Algeciras on July 12–13. During the second battle, the ship got stuck on the coast of Spain in Algeciras Bay. Luckily, she was pulled free, fixed up, and put back into service.
The Ship's Final Journey
Sadly, Venerable's adventures came to an end on November 24, 1804. She was wrecked, meaning she was destroyed in a shipwreck, off Roundham Head near Torbay. Three of her crew members were lost during this sad event.
Two days later, on November 26, other ships were sent to the wreck site. The hired ship Lady Warren, along with Growler and several smaller boats, went to Torbay. Their job was to try and save valuable items like guns and supplies from the wrecked Venerable.
Images for kids
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Jack Crawford - the Hero of Camperdown, nailing the flag to the main top gallant mast head, on board the Venerable during the battle
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Loss of His Majesty's Ship Venerable... Shipwreck on the Night of 24 November 1804 on the Rocks in Torbay, by Robert Dodd
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Captain T. Byam Martin commanding the boats of HMS Impétueux at the rescue of the crew of Venerable, Nicholas Pocock
