Worcester (1785 EIC ship) facts for kids
The Worcester was a special kind of ship called an East Indiaman. She was built in 1785 for the British East India Company (EIC). This company was very powerful and traded goods like tea and spices from Asia. The Worcester made eight long trips to places like India and China. She also helped in two important navy missions. Finally, in 1809, she was sold and taken apart.
Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} Britain East India Company |
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| Name | Worcester |
| Namesake | Worcester |
| Owner | Henry Boulton |
| Builder | Perry, Blackwall |
| Launched | 3 December 1785 |
| Fate | Sold 1809 for breaking up |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | East Indiaman |
| Tons burthen | 755, or 78970⁄94, or 798 (bm) |
| Length |
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| Beam | 35 ft 11+1⁄2 in (11.0 m) |
| Depth of hold | 14 ft 9+1⁄2 in (4.5 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement |
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| Armament |
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| Notes | Three decks |
Contents
Voyages of the Worcester
The Worcester made eight important journeys for the East India Company. These trips were long and often dangerous, taking the ship across oceans to distant lands.
First Journey (1786–1788)
Captain John Hall led the first voyage. The Worcester left England in February 1786. Her goal was to reach Madras (in India) and then China. She arrived in Madras in July and then sailed to Malacca. By June 1787, she was in Whampoa, China. After loading goods, she began her journey home. She reached St Helena in March 1788 and was back in England by June.
Second Journey (1790–1791)
Captain Hall again commanded the Worcester. This time, she left England in May 1790, heading for Bombay (now Mumbai) in India. She arrived in Bombay in September. For several months, she sailed along India's west coast, visiting different ports. She left Bombay in February 1791. On her way back to England, she stopped at the Cape of Good Hope and St Helena. She returned to England in August 1791.
Third Journey (1793–1794)
By 1793, a war had started between Britain and France. Captain Hall got a special permit called a letter of marque. This allowed his merchant ship to act like a warship and capture enemy vessels. The Worcester sailed from England in April 1793, heading for Bencoolen. She arrived there in August. On her way home, she stopped at St Helena and was back in England by April 1794.
On this trip, a famous explorer named Mungo Park was the ship's assistant surgeon. He later became well-known for exploring Africa.
Fourth Journey (1795–1797)
Captain Hall set sail again in May 1795. This voyage was planned for the Cape of Good Hope, Bengal, and Bencoolen. The Worcester was part of a large group of ships. These ships were carrying soldiers for a British attack on the Dutch Cape Colony.
The fleet arrived at All Saints Bay in July. The Worcester continued her journey with other ships. They were protected by a warship called HMS Sphinx. However, two ships in the convoy crashed into each other and had to return to port.
The Worcester and the rest of the fleet reached Simon's Bay in September. After helping with the mission at the Cape, the Worcester continued to India. She reached Diamond Harbour in January 1796. She visited several ports before arriving at Bencoolen in August. She then sailed home, reaching St Helena in October and England in January 1797.
In April 1797, the Worcester had an accident at Blackwall. She was leaving the dock after repairs when she got stuck. This accident damaged her, but she was fixed and could sail again.
Fifth Journey (1798–1800)
Captain Hall began another voyage in February 1798. The Worcester was bound for St Helena, Bengal, and Madras. She reached St Helena in May and arrived at Diamond Harbour in August. She visited Colombo and then returned to Bengal. In March 1799, she sailed from Kedgeree and stopped at Madras. On her way back to England, she reached St Helena in October and arrived in England in February 1800.
Sixth Journey (1801–1802)
For this voyage, Captain Searles Wood took command. He also got a letter of marque in February 1801. The Worcester left England in March 1801, heading for Bombay. She arrived there in July. She then sailed to other ports in India, like Tellicherry and Quilon. On her return journey, she reached St Helena in April 1802 and arrived back in England in June.
In September 1803, the East India Company agreed to rent the Worcester for two more voyages.
Seventh Journey (1804–1806)
Captain Wood got a new letter of marque in June 1804. He sailed from England in July, bound for Bengal, Madras, and Bombay. The Worcester stopped at Madeira and arrived at Kedgeree in November. She visited Madras, Cannanore, and Goa before reaching Bombay in April 1805. On her way home, she reached St Helena in August and arrived back in England in December.
Eighth Journey (1807–1808)
Captain Woods began the final voyage in March 1807. The Worcester was heading for St Helena, Madras, and Bombay. She reached St Helena in May and Madras in September. From there, she sailed to Malacca and Gressee.
The Worcester was carrying soldiers for a military mission. This mission was led by Rear-Admiral Edward Pellew. The goal was to remove Dutch forces from Griessie. This helped keep the trade route to China safe. The British wanted to stop Dutch ships from attacking their trading vessels. After this mission, the last Dutch naval forces in the Pacific were gone.
The Worcester returned to Madras in February 1808. She then sailed to Point de Galle. The other ships in her fleet left her behind because she had been damaged. It was thought she would go to Bombay or Bengal for repairs.
On her final trip home, she reached the Cape of Good Hope in September and St Helena in October. She arrived back in England in December. During a storm, she lost an anchor and cables while at Margate Roads.
End of the Worcester
The Worcester was sold in 1809. She was then taken apart, ending her long career as an East Indiaman.
