HMS Infernal (1757)
| History | |
|---|---|
 UK | |
| Name | HMS Infernal |
| Ordered | 5 October 1756 |
| Builder | Henry Bird, Northam, Southampton |
| Laid down | November 1756 |
| Launched | 4 July 1757 |
| Completed | list error: <br /> list (help) 11 July 1757 as bomb vessel 20 November 1757 as sloop-of-war |
| Commissioned | April 1757 |
| Decommissioned | March 1763 |
| Out of service | 26 October 1774 |
| Fate | Sold out of service, Deptford Dockyard |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | list error: <br /> list (help) 8-gun Infernal class bomb vessel, 1758-59 16-gun sloop, 1757, 1760-63 |
| Tons burthen | 307 39⁄94 (bm) |
| Length | list error: <br /> list (help) 91 ft 9 in (28.0 m) (overall) 75 ft 0 in (22.9 m) (gundeck) |
| Beam | 27 ft 9 in (8.5 m) |
| Depth of hold | 12 ft 1 in (3.7 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Ketch-rigged sloop |
| Complement | 60 (bomb vessel), 110 (sloop) |
| Armament | list error: <br /> list (help) Bomb vessel: 8 x 6pdrs, 12 x 1⁄2pdr swivels, 1 x 13 inch mortar, 1 x 10 inch mortar Sloop: 14 x 6pdrs, 12 x x 1⁄2pdr swivels |
HMS Infernal was an 8-gun bomb vessel of the Royal Navy, constructed in 1757 and in service until 1763. Designed by Thomas Slade, she was the prototype for six subsequent Infernal class bomb vessels which saw service in the Mediterranean and the West Indies during the Seven Years' War with France. In 1760 she was refitted as a sloop and returned to active service in the Caribbean.[1]
Infernal was paid off at the conclusion of the War in 1763, and sold out of Navy service in 1774.[1]
Construction
Infernal was the first of seven bomb vessels designed by Surveyor of the Navy Thomas Slade to strengthen the Navy's shore bombardment capacity during the Seven Years' War. An Admiralty Order for her construction was issued on 5 October 1756, followed by a contract to master shipwright Henry Bird to build the vessel at the civilian dockyard in Northam, Southampton. Under the contract, Infernal was to be launched within six months, in return for payment of £11.5.0 per ton. Neither requirement was met, though Bird was subsequently engaged to build a second similar vessel, Blast.[2]
Her dimensions were in keeping with other vessels of her class, with an overall length of 91 ft 9 in (28.0 m), a beam of 27 ft 9 in (8.5 m) and measuring 30739⁄94 tons burthen. Construction costs were high, reflecting the heavy supports required to create a stable firing platform for the mortars, and additional beam to permit their side by side placement before the main mast. As completed, contract fees were ₤3,355 with an additional ₤2,082 for fitout and guns.[1][a]
Infernal was ketch-rigged and initially equipped with eight six-pounder cannons for ship defence, and twelve {{fraction|1|2}-pounder swivel guns to ward off boarding parties. Slade's design specified the installation of two mortars, one capable of firing ten-inch shot and the other 13-inch.[1]
Notes
References
Bibliography
- Winfield, Rif (2007). British Warships of the Age of Sail 1714–1792: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. Seaforth. ISBN 9781844157006.