Third rate 74-gun battleship, launched in Portsmouth in 1781. Took part in the battle of Saintes (1782) and Nelson’s victory at Copenhagen (1801). Broken up in 1857.
This is the oldest figurehead in the Museum’s collection – and one of the oldest warship figureheads in the world.*
*From an signboard next to the figurehead.
“Third rate”?
Interesting.
So not very good? Or has terminology changed I wonder?
It refers to how many guns the ship has:
“In the British Royal Navy, a third rate was a ship of the line which from the 1720s mounted between 64 and 80 guns, typically built with two gun decks (thus the related term two-decker).”
That doesn’t look that old. Still fashionable,really.
What is it made out of, do you know?
It will be carved wood.
Quite a survival, Cherie
Fascinating isn’t it?
“One of the oldest warship figureheads in the world” makes this quite a find, Cherry. WOW.
It must be a special treasure to have in the museum.