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.
 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
- Lavery, Ships of the Line, vol. 1, p. 159.
-
Diary of Samuel Pepys, Sunday, 9 December 1660. - Diary of Samuel Pepys, Sunday, 11 December 1660.
- 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.