HMS Strafford (1735)

HMS Strafford was a 60-gun fourth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built to the 1733 proposals of the 1719 Establishment of dimensions at Chatham Dockyard, and was launched on 24 July 1735.[1]

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Strafford (1714).

History
Royal Navy EnsignGreat Britain
NameHMS Strafford
Ordered4 September 1733
BuilderChatham Dockyard
Launched24 July 1735
FateSunk as a breakwater, 1756
General characteristics [1]
Class and type1733 proposals 60-gun fourth rate ship of the line
Tons burthen1067
Length144 ft (43.9 m) (gundeck)
Beam41 ft 5 in (12.6 m)
Depth of hold16 ft 11 in (5.2 m)
PropulsionSails
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Armament
  • 60 guns:
  • Gundeck: 24 × 24 pdrs
  • Upper gundeck: 26 × 9 pdrs
  • Quarterdeck: 8 × 6 pdrs
  • Forecastle: 2 × 6 pdrs

Engagements

HMS Strafford took part in the destruction of the fortress of San Lorenzo el Real Chagres (22-24 March 1740), in Panama, as part of a squadron commanded by Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon during the War of Jenkins' Ear.

At 3 pm on 22 March 1740, the English squadron, composed of the ships Strafford, Norwich, Falmouth and Princess Louisa, the frigate Diamond, the bomb vessels Alderney, Terrible and Cumberland, the fireships Success and Eleanor, and transports Goodly and Pompey, under Vernon's command, began to bombard the Spanish fortress. Given the overwhelming superiority of the English forces, Captain Don Juan Carlos Gutiérrez Cevallos surrendered the fort on 24 March, after resisting for two days.

Drawing showing the burning of the dismasted Africa by the Strafford (left) and Cornwall on the end of Knowles Action at Havana, in 1748

She was at the Battle of Havana in 1748.

Strafford served until 1756, when she was sunk as part of a breakwater.[1]

Notes
  1. Lavery, Ships of the Line vol.1, p171.

References
  • Lavery, Brian (2003) The Ship of the Line - Volume 1: The development of the battlefleet 1650-1850. Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-252-8.


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