HMY Royal Caroline (1750) facts for kids
HMY Royal Caroline by John Cleveley the Elder, showing the ship in full sail and flying the red and blue ensigns and the common pennant.
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} Great Britain |
|
| Name | HMY Royal Caroline |
| Ordered | 22 August 1749 |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Launched | 29 January 1750 |
| Renamed | HMY Royal Charlotte in 1761 |
| Fate | Broken up in July 1820 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Royal yacht |
| Tons burthen | 232 11⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
|
| Beam | 24 ft 7 in (7.49 m) |
| Depth of hold | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament | 8 x 4-pounder (or 10 x 3-pounder) guns + 8 x ½-pdr swivel guns |
The HMY Royal Caroline was a special ship known as a royal yacht. This means it was used by the King and Queen of Britain. It was a ship-rigged vessel, which means it had three masts with square sails.
The Royal Caroline was ordered in 1749. It was built to replace an older royal yacht. The ship was constructed at Deptford Dockyard in England. It was designed by Joseph Allin, a top ship designer. The Royal Caroline was launched on January 29, 1750. It served for 70 years before being taken apart in 1820.
A Special Royal Ship
The Royal Caroline was a very important ship. It was built for the British royal family. Royal yachts were used for travel and official events. They were like floating palaces for the King.
This ship was designed to be beautiful and strong. It had several guns, but these were mostly for show. Its main job was to carry important people.
Carrying Royalty
The Royal Caroline began its service with Captain Sir Charles Molloy. He was its first commander. In 1754, Captain Sir Piercy Brett took over.
A very important trip happened in 1761. The ship became the main vessel for Admiral of the Fleet Lord Anson. His mission was to bring Duchess Charlotte from Germany. She was coming to marry George III, the King of Britain.
To honor the future Queen, the yacht was renamed HMY Royal Charlotte. Several other royal yachts joined the journey. The trip back to Britain was very difficult. Strong winds blew the ships off course. It took ten days to reach Harwich in England.
After this, Captain Peter Denis commanded the Royal Charlotte. He was in charge until 1770. Other captains followed him, including John Campbell.
During Wartime
The Royal Charlotte was still used during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars. These were big conflicts in Europe. King George III often used his yachts. He would travel to welcome back navy fleets. He also used them to inspect his ships. This was called a fleet review.
In 1797, the King tried to visit a fleet. This was after a big naval battle. He wanted to honor Admiral Adam Duncan. However, bad winds stopped the Royal Charlotte. The ship could not reach the fleet.
The yacht continued to serve under different captains. In 1804, a slightly larger royal yacht was introduced. This new ship was called HMY Royal Sovereign. It became the main royal yacht.
What Happened Next?
Even after a new main yacht arrived, the Royal Charlotte kept serving. It was commanded by Captain Edward Foote for many years. Later, Captain Thomas Eyles and Captain George Scott took command.
The Royal Charlotte was finally taken out of service in July 1820. It was then broken up. This means the ship was dismantled. It had served the British royal family for 70 years.
