HMS Polyphemus (1840)

HMS Polyphemus was a Cyclops-class steam frigate built for the Royal Navy in 1840. She was one of a group of early steam warships designed for a combination of powerful armament and improved mobility compared to sailing vessels.

Built at Woolwich Dockyard, she was launched on 25 August 1840. The Cyclops-class frigates, including Polyphemus, were characterized by their paddle-wheel propulsion, which was housed in sponsons on either side of the hull. This configuration offered a significant advantage in maneuverability, particularly in coastal waters or against the wind, compared to the traditional sailing warships of the time.

Polyphemus saw service in various locations, including the Mediterranean and the coasts of Africa. The deployment of steam-powered warships like Polyphemus played a vital role in projecting British naval power and enforcing maritime trade routes during the 19th century.

Her armament typically consisted of a mix of large calibre smoothbore guns, capable of delivering a heavy broadside. As naval technology advanced, she may have undergone refits to update her weaponry.

Details of her specific operational history and fate are subject to further research in naval archives. Like many vessels of her era, her design became outdated with the rapid advancements in naval technology in the mid-19th century, including the introduction of screw propulsion and ironclad warships.