English ship Swiftsure (1573)

Swiftsure[Note 1] was a galleon of the English Navy, launched in 1573. She was rebuilt in 1592.

History
English FlagEngland
NameSwiftsure
BuilderPeter Pett, at Deptford Dockyard
Launched1573
RenamedSpeedwell
FateLost, 1624
General characteristics as built
Class and typeGalleon
Tons burthen350
Complement200
Armament29 major guns, plus 4 fowlers
General characteristics after 1607 rebuild[1]
Class and typeMiddling ship
Tons burthen333
Length74 ft (23 m) (keel)
Beam30 ft (9.1 m)
Depth of hold15 ft (4.6 m)
Sail planFull-rigged ship

In 1607 she was renamed Speedwell,[1] when she was rebuilt for a second time at Deptford, now classed as a middling ship.[1] She was wrecked near Vlissingen on 1 November 1624.[1]

Notes

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  1. ^ The 'HMS' prefix was not used until the middle of the 18th century, but is sometimes applied retrospectively

Citations

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  1. ^ a b c d Lavery, Ships of the Line, vol. 1, p. 158.

References

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  • 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.
  • Winfield, Rif (2009) British Warships in the Age of Sail 1603-1714: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-040-6.