Laurel-class post ship facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Class overview |
|
|---|---|
| Name: | Laurel-class post ships |
| Operators: |  Royal Navy |
| Completed: | 6 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Sixth-rate post ship |
| Tons burthen | 526 39⁄94 (bm; as designed) |
| Length |
|
| Beam | 31 ft 6 in (9.60 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 155 (later raised to 175). |
| Armament |
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The Laurel-class ships were a group of six sailing ships. They were designed in 1805 by Sir John Henslow. These ships were called "post ships" and were a type of "sixth-rate" warship. They were built between 1806 and 1812. All six ships served in the Royal Navy, which is the navy of the United Kingdom. They were active during the Napoleonic War, a big conflict in Europe.
What is a Post Ship?
A "post ship" was a type of warship in the Royal Navy. It was commanded by a "post-captain." This was a captain who had been promoted to a certain rank. These ships were usually smaller than bigger warships. But they were still important for protecting trade routes. They also helped with scouting missions.
Laurel-Class Ships
Six ships were built in the Laurel-class. They were all important for the Royal Navy. Here are the names of the ships in this class:
- HMS Boreas
- HMS Laurel
- HMS Comus
- HMS Garland
- HMS Perseus
- HMS Volage
The Story of HMS Laurel
HMS Laurel was one of the ships in this class. She was built by Nicholas Bools and William Good. The ship was launched on June 2, 1806.
Capture and Recapture
On September 12, 1808, the French captured HMS Laurel. They renamed her Esperance. But the story did not end there. On April 12, 1810, another British ship, Unicorn, recaptured her. This happened near the Île de Ré in France.
When she was recaptured, Esperance was carrying goods. She was bringing supplies from Mauritius. The Royal Navy took her back into service. They renamed her HMS Laurestinus. Sadly, she was wrecked in the Bahamas in August 1813.
