British Warship Losses in the Age of Sail: 1649-1859

This comprehensive reference book lists all the ships of the Royal Navy lost at sea during the age of sail, arranged in chronological order. It includes details of each vessel, the circumstances of her loss, and the date. The book offers a valuable insight into the maritime history of the Royal Navy and the challenges faced by sailors in the age of sail.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

This extensive new reference work presents a comprehensive inventory of the Royal Navy's ships that met their demise at sea during the era of sail. Organized chronologically, it provides concise outlines of each lost vessel along with the circumstances surrounding her demise. The year 1649 serves as the starting point, coinciding with the execution of Charles I and the transition of the Royal Navy into a powerful instrument of state. The launch of the steam-powered and iron-hulled Warrior in 1860 marked the end of the grand era of wooden-hulled sailing warships. The life at sea during the age of sail was perilous, with numerous factors contributing to a ship's loss. In 1841, a correspondent to the Nautical Magazine detailed fifty reasons and causes, ranging from crew shortages, abandonment without proper justification, poor ship condition, inaccurate charts, poor dead reckoning, and less obvious factors such as the presence of captains' wives and other women. Navigational errors, particularly before the advent of the chronometer, which enabled accurate longitude calculations, were common, as were adverse weather conditions such as fog or gales. Many ships tragically met their end in a lonely disappearance, overwhelmed by storm and sea, with no witnesses to their fate. Collisions, fires, and encounters with enemy vessels were also frequent occurrences. Each entry in this work includes comprehensive details about the ship, including her name, type, tonnage, dimensions, origin, and place of build. Additionally, it provides information about the circumstances of the loss, the date, and a comprehensive list of the primary references utilized. Presented in a single, easily accessible volume, this work represents a significant milestone in naval research and publishing. It offers not only a wealth of valuable information but also a captivating and intriguing collection of maritime misadventures. Praise for the work has been widespread, with scholars and enthusiasts alike hailing it as a indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Royal Navy and the era of sail.

Weight: 922g
Dimension: 181 x 254 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399031028