Robert Moorsom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Moorsom
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|---|---|
| Born | 8 June 1760 |
| Died | 14 April 1835 (aged 74) Cosgrove Priory, Northamptonshire, England |
| Buried |
St Peter’s Church, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Ariel HMS Astraea HMS Hindostan HMS Revenge Nore Command Cape of Good Hope Station |
| Battles/wars | American War of Independence French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Colonel of Marines |
Sir Robert Moorsom (born June 8, 1760 – died April 14, 1835) was a brave officer in the Royal Navy. He served during three big wars: the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the Napoleonic Wars. He is best known for his actions in 1805 at the famous Battle of Trafalgar. His ship, HMS Revenge, was badly damaged, and he was seriously hurt.
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Robert Moorsom was born in Whitby, Yorkshire, in 1760. His family had a history of working at sea. He joined the navy when he was 17, which was a bit later than many other young men at the time.
Even though he started later, he worked very hard. He took part in important events like the Great Siege of Gibraltar and the Battle of Cape Spartel. Because of his excellent service, he quickly became a lieutenant in 1784. Later, in 1790, he was promoted to Post captain.
Serving in the Revolutionary Wars
During the French Revolutionary Wars, Moorsom mostly helped block enemy ports. This meant his ships would wait outside ports to stop other ships from entering or leaving. This kind of duty didn't offer many chances for exciting battles. He soon commanded larger warships called ships of the line.
After a period of peace, Moorsom took command of a brand-new ship named Revenge. He joined Admiral Collingwood's fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. He sailed with Collingwood to Cadiz, which led them to the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805.
The Battle of Trafalgar
At the Battle of Trafalgar, Moorsom's ship, Revenge, was positioned towards the back of Admiral Collingwood's group. However, because Revenge was a new and fast ship, it quickly moved ahead of two other ships. Moorsom aimed for the Spanish flagship, the huge Principe de Asturias.
Fighting Enemy Ships
Revenge missed the Spanish flagship and instead got into a fight with a smaller Spanish ship called San Ildefonso. After damaging San Ildefonso, Revenge then attacked the French ship Achille. Revenge damaged Achille's masts, making her an easy target for other British ships, which later sank her.
Next, Revenge faced the French ship Aigle. Revenge rammed Aigle, causing more damage and forcing her to leave the fight. Finally, Revenge reached the giant Principe de Asturias.
A Fierce Fight and Injuries
Revenge was much smaller than Principe de Asturias. The bigger ship fired many powerful shots, causing a lot of damage to Revenge. Splinters from the damaged ship badly wounded Moorsom himself. More than 70 of his crew were also killed or injured.
Luckily, HMS Dreadnought and HMS Thunderer came to help. They drove off Principe de Asturias and saved the badly damaged Revenge, which was slowly sinking.
Life After Trafalgar
Amazingly, the crew managed to get Revenge back to Gibraltar despite a terrible storm. Sir Robert Moorsom was one of the first officers sent home to recover from his serious injuries. He was greatly rewarded for his bravery at Trafalgar.
However, because of his injuries and many other officers being promoted after the battle, he never commanded a ship at sea again. Instead, he took on important jobs on land. He helped carry the great banner at Lord Nelson's funeral. He was promoted to rear-admiral and worked with the Lords of the Admiralty, who managed the navy.
After the wars ended, he became a politician, serving as a Member of Parliament for Queenborough from 1812 to 1820. He also held the position of Surveyor-General of the Ordnance, which involved managing military supplies. In 1824, he became the Commander-in-Chief, Chatham. He continued to receive promotions in the navy's highest ranks.
Later Years and Legacy
Sir Robert Moorsom passed away peacefully in 1835. He was a full Admiral and had been made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, a very high honor. He was buried at St Peter's Church in Cosgrove, Northamptonshire. You can still see a memorial plaque there for him and his wife, Eleanor.
Robert Moorsom was also talented at poetry and drawing. He passed these skills on to his two sons. His son, Vice Admiral Constantine Richard Moorsom, also had a successful naval career. His other son, Captain William Scarth Moorsom, became an early railway engineer.
