Cornwallis (ship)

The name "Cornwallis" has been used for several ships, often referencing Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, a British general and colonial administrator. Due to the prevalence of the name, it is important to specify the specific vessel in question. Ships named Cornwallis have served in both the Royal Navy and the merchant service. Notable examples include:

• HMS Cornwallis (1807): A 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in 1807. She saw service in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.

• HMS Cornwallis (1813): A 74-gun third-rate ship of the line, originally ordered as HMS Bombay but renamed before launch in 1813. She participated in the First Opium War, including the Battle of Chuenpi and the capture of Canton. She was later used as a hospital ship and was eventually sold in 1865.

• Numerous merchant vessels also bore the name "Cornwallis," typically involved in trade and passenger transport. Records of these ships are more dispersed and often require detailed maritime history research to locate specific details regarding their voyages and owners.

When researching a specific "Cornwallis" ship, it is essential to consult naval records, shipping registers (such as Lloyd's Register), and historical archives to ascertain the exact vessel and its history. Distinguishing features like the year of launch, tonnage, and specific events associated with the ship are crucial for accurate identification.