Armed Ship 1779/80
Posted: Wed May 25, 2022 8:10 pm
Hello to all the knowledgeable people out there.
This is my first post, as cabin boy rather than post-captain.
I came across this entry in βThe Parochial History and antiquities of Stockton on Tees 1796β by John Brewster.
β1779- The Bellona, a fine frigate, was this year built at Stockton for Government, Francis Tinsley, commander. She was ordered to Hull, and in her first voyage from hence was unfortunately wrecked in the Texel.β
My research thus far would indicate it was built by Mark Pye at Stockton North Shore Shipyard.The Bellona' frigate, built for government was launched in Dec 1778; she mounted 20 guns (6 pounders), and 12 swivels; left the Tees in October 1779 for Hull, and was wrecked in the Texel in December following (1780?) whilst on convoy escort duties. Tinsley went on to another command, presumably after the customary Court Martial .
I can find no mention in Naval records. I surmise the ship was unrated, perhaps a hired vessel. Maybe, that having such a short life or not being on the books so to speak, nobody bothered to keep records. There has been several ships with the name Bellona.
Could anyone help with information or pointers to where to look?
Thewatkins, Cabin Boy(80 years old).
This is my first post, as cabin boy rather than post-captain.
I came across this entry in βThe Parochial History and antiquities of Stockton on Tees 1796β by John Brewster.
β1779- The Bellona, a fine frigate, was this year built at Stockton for Government, Francis Tinsley, commander. She was ordered to Hull, and in her first voyage from hence was unfortunately wrecked in the Texel.β
My research thus far would indicate it was built by Mark Pye at Stockton North Shore Shipyard.The Bellona' frigate, built for government was launched in Dec 1778; she mounted 20 guns (6 pounders), and 12 swivels; left the Tees in October 1779 for Hull, and was wrecked in the Texel in December following (1780?) whilst on convoy escort duties. Tinsley went on to another command, presumably after the customary Court Martial .
I can find no mention in Naval records. I surmise the ship was unrated, perhaps a hired vessel. Maybe, that having such a short life or not being on the books so to speak, nobody bothered to keep records. There has been several ships with the name Bellona.
Could anyone help with information or pointers to where to look?
Thewatkins, Cabin Boy(80 years old).