HMS Worcester (1843) facts for kids
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HMS Worcester was a large sailing warship, known as a frigate, built for the Royal Navy. She was armed with 52 cannons and weighed about 1,500 tons. She was the last of six ships in her class, called the Southampton class. Worcester was also the fifth naval ship to have this name.
Work on the Worcester began in 1820 at Deptford Dockyard. However, her construction was put on hold for a very long time. She spent 23 years "on the stocks," which means she was being built in the shipyard, but very slowly. Finally, she was launched into the water on October 10, 1843. Her building was finished in November at Sheerness Dockyard.
A New Purpose: Training Ship
By the 1860s, the Worcester was no longer actively used by the Royal Navy. At this time, the Navy was changing from old wooden ships, sometimes called 'wooden walls,' to newer, stronger ships made of iron.
In 1862, a group of ship owners in London wanted to start a special school to train young people to become officers in the merchant navy (ships that carry goods, not fight wars). They asked the Navy if they could borrow a suitable ship. The Worcester was chosen for this important new role.
Converting the Ship
Almost £1,000 was spent to change the Worcester from a warship into a training ship. This was a lot of money back then! She became the home of the Thames Marine Officer Training School, which later became known as the Thames Nautical Training College.
Her Journey on the Thames
As a training ship, the Worcester was anchored in different places along the River Thames.
- In 1863, she was moored at Blackwall Reach near Erith.
- By 1869, she had moved further down the river to Southend.
- Finally, in 1871, she found her last home at Greenhithe, where she stayed for many years.
End of an Era
By the mid-1870s, more and more young cadets wanted to join the training college. The Worcester became too small to hold everyone. So, in 1885, she was sold to be taken apart. Another ship, the former HMS Frederick William, took her place and was renamed Worcester to continue the important training work.
