Scarborough (1734 EIC ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} British East India Company |
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| Name | Scarborough |
| Owner | John Raymond |
| Builder | Buxton, Rotherhithe |
| Launched | December 1734 |
| Fate | Sold 21 November 1739 |
 Great Britain |
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| Name | HMS Scarborough |
| Acquired | 21 November 1739 by purchase |
| Fate | Sold 18 December 1744 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 50125⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 31 ft 3 in (9.5 m) |
| Depth of hold | 13 ft 8 in (4.2 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Armament | 18 guns (RN service) |
The Scarborough was a fascinating ship that had two very different careers! First, she was a large trading ship called an East Indiaman. She sailed for the British East India Company (EIC) on long journeys across the oceans. Later, the British Navy bought her and turned her into a special kind of ship: a hospital ship. She served the Navy for a few years before being sold.
Contents
The Ship Scarborough: A Journey Through History
Early Life: Serving the East India Company
The Scarborough was built and launched in December 1734. She was designed to carry valuable goods for the East India Company. This company was very powerful and traded with countries far away, especially in Asia. The Scarborough completed two important voyages for them.
First Grand Voyage (1735-1736)
Her first big trip began on March 17, 1735. Captain George Westcott was in charge. The ship was heading to Bombay (which is now Mumbai) in India.
On her way, Scarborough made several stops. She visited places like Mozambique and Johanna before reaching Bombay on August 11. She then sailed to other Indian ports like Tellicherry, Calicut, Cochin, and Goa.
After many months of trading and visiting ports, the Scarborough started her journey home. She stopped at the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and St Helena island. Finally, she arrived back in England on August 11, 1736.
Second Grand Voyage (1738-1739)
Captain Westcott led the Scarborough on her second voyage too. They left England on February 2, 1738. This time, their destinations included Madras (now Chennai), Bengal, and Benkulen.
The ship sailed to São Tiago and Johanna again. She reached Fort St David and Madras in India by July. Then, she traveled to Balasore and the Hooghly River area in September.
After more stops in Acheh and Benkulen, the Scarborough began her return trip. She visited St Helena one last time. The ship reached Falmouth, England, on August 24, 1739, and arrived back at her home port on September 6.
It's interesting to know that Captain Westcott later commanded another ship also named Scarborough for four more voyages!
After her trading days, the British Navy decided to buy the Scarborough. This happened on November 21, 1739. They had a special plan for her.
Becoming a Hospital Ship
The Navy first thought about using her as a storeship, which carries supplies. But soon, they changed their minds. They decided to turn her into a hospital ship instead. This meant she would be used to care for sick or injured sailors.
Work began to refit her in June 1740. Commander James Smith officially put her into service as HMS Scarborough on July 2. The refitting was finished by August 21.
Adventures in the Caribbean
In September 1740, Commander William Carter took command. The Scarborough then sailed to the Caribbean. In March 1741, she was part of some challenging British operations near Cartagena, Colombia.
Later that year, in July, she also took part in difficult missions near Santiago de Cuba. These were important times for the British Navy, and the Scarborough played her part.
In 1742, Commander Robert Swanton became her captain. At this time, Scarborough was stationed in Jamaica, which was a key naval base.
The next year, in 1743, Commander James Scott took over command. The Scarborough continued her duties in the Jamaica area, helping to support the fleet.
The End of Her Journey
The Navy decided to sell HMS Scarborough on December 18, 1744. She was sold at Deptford for £413, ending her service life.
