Sarah Christiana (1798 ship) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids History
Great Britain
Name	Sarah Christiana
Owner	1798: Robert Charnock 1801: Henry Bonham 1810: Todd & Co. 1820: Spencer
Builder	Randall, Brent & Sons, Rotherhithe
Launched	14 July 1798
Fate	Broken up in 1828
General characteristics
Tons burthen	557, 561, or 56744⁄94 (bm)
Length	Overall: 124 ft 8 in (38.0 m) Keel: 100 ft 3 in (30.6 m)
Beam	32 ft 4 in (9.9 m)
Depth of hold	12 ft 10 in (3.9 m)
Complement	1798:45 1801: 52 1805: 50 1810: 40
Armament	1798: 12 × 9&6-pounder guns 1801: 12 × 6-pounder guns 1805: 12 × 12&6-pounder guns + 9 swivel guns 1810: 4 × 9-pounder guns + 16 × 18-pounder carronades

The Sarah Christiana was a sailing ship built in 1798. She was a merchant ship, meaning she carried goods for trade. Her main job was to transport items for the British East India Company (EIC). This company traded with countries in Asia, like India.

After her first trip for the EIC, she also sailed to Jamaica. Later, she did four more voyages for the EIC. In 1810, she was sold and started trading with the West Indies. The ship was taken apart in 1828.

Adventures at Sea: The Ship's Journeys

The Sarah Christiana had an exciting career, traveling to many distant lands. She served as an "East Indiaman," a ship that sailed to India and other parts of Asia. She also became a "West Indiaman," trading with islands in the Caribbean.

First Trip for the East India Company (1798–1799)

Her first big journey for the East India Company began in 1798. Captain Richard Ayton was in charge. He had a special document called a letter of marque, which allowed him to arm his ship and capture enemy vessels if needed.

The ship left Portsmouth, England, on October 4, 1798. Her destination was Madras, India. She stopped at the Cape of Good Hope and arrived in Madras in May 1799. On her way back, she visited Saint Helena and arrived in England in October 1799.

Trading with Jamaica (1800)

After her first trip, the East India Company didn't need her right away. So, her owners sent her to Jamaica. This meant she was now a "West Indiaman," trading goods between England and the Caribbean islands.

Second Trip for the East India Company (1801–1802)

The East India Company hired the Sarah Christiana again. Captain Charles Graham took command. He also had a letter of marque.

She left Portsmouth in September 1801, heading for Bengal, India. She traveled with a group of other ships, called a convoy, protected by a warship. The convoy stopped in Madeira before continuing its journey.

The Sarah Christiana reached Calcutta (now Kolkata) in February 1802. She returned to England in September of the same year.

Third Trip for the East India Company (1805–1807)

The ship was hired for two more trips by the EIC. Captain Thomas Mackeson was her captain for this voyage. He also carried a letter of marque.

In 1805, the Sarah Christiana joined a large British expedition. This group of ships and soldiers aimed to capture the Dutch Cape Colony in South Africa. The Sarah Christiana helped by carrying supplies and troops.

After helping capture the Cape Colony, she continued her journey to Madras and Bengal. She arrived in Madras in April 1806 and Calcutta in May. On her way home, she stopped at the Cape and Saint Helena. She finally arrived back in England in April 1807.

Fourth Trip for the East India Company (1807–1808)

Captain Mackeson sailed again from Portsmouth in September 1807. This time, her journey was also to Madras and Bengal.

She traveled in a convoy with other ships, guarded by a large warship. The Sarah Christiana reached Madras in February 1808 and Calcutta in March. She returned to England in December 1808.

Fifth Trip for the East India Company (1809–1810)

Captain Mackeson led the Sarah Christiana on her final EIC voyage. She left Portsmouth in July 1809, heading for Bengal and Madras.

She arrived in Calcutta in December 1809. On her return journey, she stopped in Madras and at the Cape of Good Hope. She reached Saint Helena in July 1810 and arrived back in England in September 1810.

Later Years as a West Indiaman

In 1810, the Sarah Christiana was sold to a company called Todd & Co. They used her as a West Indiaman, trading with the Caribbean. Captain James Young took over command.

The ship continued to sail between London and places like Grenada and Jamaica for many years.

The End of Her Journey

The Sarah Christiana was eventually sold in 1828. Advertisements for her sale described her as ready for another voyage. However, her time at sea was over. Her official registration was canceled in November 1828, meaning she was taken apart.