HMS Plumper (1848)

HMS Plumper was a Plumper-class sloop of the Royal Navy, launched in 1848. She was designed by the Surveyor of the Navy, Sir William Symonds, and built at Woolwich Dockyard. Plumper was a wood-hulled, screw-propelled vessel, reflecting the Royal Navy's gradual adoption of steam power during the mid-19th century.

Her armament typically consisted of a combination of guns, often including heavy cannons and carronades, though the precise configuration could change during her service life. Like other ships of her type and era, Plumper was designed for a variety of roles, including patrol, surveying, and suppressing the slave trade.

Plumper's service record included participation in various naval operations and deployments. She spent time in the Pacific, contributing to surveying efforts and representing British interests. Notably, Plumper, under the command of Captain George Henry Richards, was involved in surveying the coastline of British Columbia, Canada, during the mid-1850s. The ship and its crew played a significant role in charting the area, and several geographical features in the region bear names associated with the vessel or its officers, including Plumper Sound.

The Plumper was eventually sold out of service, marking the end of her career within the Royal Navy. Details of her later fate after sale are less documented compared to her active service period. Her legacy primarily lies in her contributions to surveying and mapping, particularly along the Pacific coast of North America.