HMS Assurance (1646)

HMS Assurance was a 32-gun fourth-rate frigate of the English Royal Navy, built by Peter Pett I at Deptford Dockyard and launched in 1646.[1] The term 'frigate' during the period of this ship referred to a method of construction, rather than a role which did not develop until the following century.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Assurance.

The Fairfax (at the forefront), with Elizabeth astern of her, and Assurance or Tiger to their left, a painting attributed to Isaac Sailmaker. A ship is missing as part of the picture has been lost.
History
England
Name: HMS Assurance
Builder: Peter Pett I, Deptford
Launched: 1646
Fate: Sold, 1698
Notes:
General characteristics [1]
Class and type: 32-gun fourth-rate frigate
Tons burthen: 340 bm
Length: 89 ft (27 m) (keel)
Beam: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m)
Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
Propulsion: Sails
Sail plan: Full-rigged ship
Armament: 32 guns (at launch); 40 guns (1677)

Samuel Pepys states in his diary that Assurance sank near Woolwich during a storm in December 1660, with the loss of twenty men.[2] He visited the site a few days later.[3] The ship was subsequently refloated by 17 December.[4]

In August 1666, Assurance participated in the raid on a large Dutch merchant fleet in the Vlie estuary that became known as Holmes's Bonfire. By 1667, Assurance's armament had been increased to 40 guns.[1]

Assurance was sold out of the navy in 1698.[1]

Notes
  1. Lavery, Ships of the Line, vol. 1, p. 159.
  2. Diary of Samuel Pepys, Sunday, 9 December 1660.
  3. Diary of Samuel Pepys, Sunday, 11 December 1660.
  4. Diary of Samuel Pepys, Sunday, 17 December 1660.

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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