HMS Wellington (1816) facts for kids
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Wellington
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Hero |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | July 1813 |
| Launched | 21 September 1816 |
| Renamed | HMS Wellington, 4 December 1816 |
| Fate | Sold, 1908 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Vengeur-class ship of the line |
| Tons burthen | 1756 bm |
| Length | 176 ft (54 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m) |
| Depth of hold | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament |
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HMS Wellington was a large sailing warship of the Royal Navy. It was known as a 74-gun third rate ship of the line. This means it carried 74 cannons and was one of the biggest types of warships of its time.
The ship was built at Deptford Dockyard and launched on 21 September 1816. It was first named HMS Hero, but its name was changed to Wellington on 4 December 1816. The ship served the Royal Navy for many years. It was finally sold in 1908.
An Unexpected Journey: Mosquitoes in Hawaii
In 1826, something unexpected happened involving HMS Wellington. The ship accidentally brought mosquitoes to the Hawaiian islands. Before this, there were no mosquitoes living in Hawaii.
This happened when sailors from the ship needed fresh water. They rinsed out their water barrels in a stream on the island of Maui. Unfortunately, mosquito eggs or larvae were likely hiding in the barrels. These tiny creatures then entered the stream and began to spread.
Life as a Training Ship and Final Days
In 1862, Wellington was changed into a training ship. It was renamed Akbar on 10 May 1862. As a training ship, it helped teach new sailors.
In January 1877, the ship had a small incident. It was pushed ashore by strong forces at Rock Ferry, Cheshire. Luckily, it was refloated a few days later on 4 January.
Akbar continued its role as a training ship until 1908. After many years of service, the ship was no longer needed. It arrived at Thos. W. Ward in Morecambe on 8 April 1908 to be taken apart.
