HMS Royal George (1756)

HMS Royal George was a 100-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in 1756. She served during the Seven Years' War, the American Revolutionary War, and the French Revolutionary Wars.

Construction and Dimensions:

Royal George was built at Woolwich Dockyard and designed by Sir Thomas Slade. She was one of the largest and most heavily armed vessels of her time, reflecting the increasing size and firepower of ships of the line during the 18th century. Her dimensions included a length of approximately 178 feet and a beam of around 52 feet.

Service History:

The ship saw extensive action in numerous naval battles. Notably, she participated in the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759, a decisive British victory over the French fleet. She also served in the American Revolutionary War, engaging in various fleet actions and blockades. During the French Revolutionary Wars, she continued to serve, although by this time, she was becoming somewhat outdated.

Loss:

The Royal George sank on 29 August 1782 at Spithead, near Portsmouth, while undergoing routine maintenance. The ship was heeled over to allow access to a waterline repair when a combination of factors, including shifting stores and potentially weakened timbers, caused her to capsize suddenly. A large number of people were on board at the time, including crew, their families, and visiting tradesmen. The disaster resulted in the loss of an estimated 800-900 lives, making it one of the worst peacetime disasters in Royal Navy history.

Legacy:

The sinking of the Royal George had a significant impact on naval practices. The incident highlighted the importance of ship stability and the dangers of overloading. It also prompted investigations into the structural integrity of wooden warships and led to improvements in ship design and maintenance procedures. The wreck of the Royal George was later salvaged, and many artifacts were recovered. The tragedy became a popular subject for artists and poets, including William Cowper, who wrote the poem "On the Loss of the Royal George." The event remains a significant part of Royal Navy history, serving as a reminder of the potential perils of naval service and the importance of safety at sea.