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Description: | Scale: 1:48. A contemporary full hull model of the ?Royal William? (1719), a 100-gun three-decker ship of the line, built in the Georgian style. The model is decked and equipped and has been made to split along the main wales, revealing the interior layout and construction.
This model generally shows the ?Royal William? as built, although the side gangways in the waist linking the quarterdeck to the forecastle, were generally introduced in 1745. The carved and painted decoration on the model, especially the figurehead, which represents Achilles dragging the body of Hector round Troy by the heels, is of high quality. On the taffrail, situated above the open stern galleries, is the bust of William III supported by a variety of figures from ancient mythology as well as a wealth of foliage and putti. William?s mongram ?WR? has been incorporated into balustrade on the open gallery of the grand cabin below.
Launched at Portsmouth in September 1719, the `Royal William? measured 175 feet along the gun deck by 50 feet in the beam and was 1918 tons burden. Despite its importance, the ship was never fitted out to take 100 guns and after a period of being laid up in ordinary, it was finally brought into service in 1756 but reduced to a second rate of 84 guns. The following year the ship saw active service taking part in the Seven Years War. In 1759 it was off Quebec, and brought home the body of General James Wolfe. It was present at the relief of Gibraltar in 1782, and also stood by the attempts to raise the hull of the ?Royal George? which sank at Spithead.
The ?Royal William? had a remarkably long career (94 years) and was eventually broken up in 1813. Affectionately known amongst the sailors as ?the old billy?, it is thought that one reason for its longevity was that it was built from winter-felled oak, which was then prepared by charring with fire. Its long life has also been explained by George III?s particular fondness for it. See also SLR0408 and SLR0409.
CA: AAA.
Launched at Portsmouth in September 1719, the `Royal William? measured 175 feet along the gun deck by 50 feet in the beam and was 1918 tons burden. Despite its importance, the ship was never fitted out to take 100 guns and after a period of being laid up in ordinary, it was finally brought into service in 1756 but reduced to a second rate of 84 guns. The following year the ship saw active service taking part in the Seven Years War. In 1759 it was off Quebec, and brought home the body of General James Wolfe. It was present at the relief of Gibraltar in 1782, and also stood by the attempts to raise the hull of the ?Royal George? which sank at Spithead.
The ?Royal William? had a remarkably long career (94 years) and was eventually broken up in 1813. Affectionately known amongst the sailors as ?the old billy?, it is thought that one reason for its longevity was that it was built from winter-felled oak, which was then prepared by charring with fire. Its long life has also been explained by George III?s particular fondness for it. See also SLR0408 and SLR0409.
caption: 'Royal William', port broadside
caption: 'Royal William', port 3/4 bow
caption: 'Royal William', starboard stern quarter
caption: 'Royal William', dead astern
caption: 'Royal William', figurehead detail
caption: 'Royal William', model split to show upper and lower decks | Publisher: | "http://collections.rmg.co.uk/" | Rights holder: | "Royal Museums Greenwich" | Subjects: | Greenwich Mary Unknown full hull ship models John J M (antique dealer) Ship models : their purpose and development from 1650 to the present : illustrated from the ship model collection of the National Maritime Museum Lysons R (Spence Collection) Thomas Spence Jervis J Rochelle Royal William (1719) Botibols | Source: | Royal Museums Greenwich | Identifier: | http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections... | Go to resource |
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