The sinking of the Royal George

Posted in Anniversary, History on Thursday, 19 August 2010

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picture, A young survivor of the sinking of the Royal George

A young survivor of the sinking of the Royal George. Illustration by Angus McBride

29 August marks the anniversary of the sinking of HMS Royal George in 1782. The ship, along with others of the fleet under the command of Admiral Richard Howe, was anchored at Spithead, in the Solent, to take on supplies. The Royal George had been heeled over at an angle by running out the guns on the port side and moving the starboard guns to the centre of the deck so that minor repairs could be undertaken. Unfortunately, the ship took on a cargo of rum and the additional weight, and that of the crew loading the cargo, caused the ship to heel over even further and she began to ship water through her gun ports.

The inrush of water caused the Royal George to roll on her side. She sank before any distress signal could be given, taking some 900 people with her. About 230 survived.

picture, The Royal George founders in the Solent

The Royal George founders in the Solent. Illustration by Angus McBride

Many more pictures relating to the history of ships and shipping can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

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