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Wreck of the Royal George
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Wreck of the Royal George
The HMS Royal George was built at Woolwich Dockyard and launched in 1756, and sank whilst anchored off Portsmouth on 29 August 1782. Date: 1782
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14384501
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1756 1782 Anchored Dockyard Maintenance Portsmouth Sank Sinking Woolwich Wreck
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This evocative print captures the aftermath of the tragic sinking of HMS Royal George, one of the most significant maritime disasters in British naval history. Built at Woolwich Dockyard and launched in 1756, the Royal George was a formidable 100-gun first rate ship of the line, serving in the Royal Navy for over two decades. On the fateful day of August 29, 1782, the ship was anchored off Portsmouth Harbour, undergoing routine maintenance preparations for the upcoming war against France. Suddenly, without warning, the Royal George heeled over and began to sink, taking hundreds of sailors and marines with her. The exact cause of the disaster remains unclear, with theories ranging from structural weaknesses to a sudden influx of water. What is certain is that the sinking was swift and catastrophic, with the ship disappearing beneath the waves in a matter of minutes. This print, produced in the aftermath of the disaster, offers a haunting glimpse into the scene that unfolded that day. The wreck of the Royal George can be seen in the foreground, her once-proud hull now broken and submerged in the sea. Surrounding her are the desperate figures of sailors and marines, clinging to debris and attempting to save their comrades. In the background, the masts and rigging of other ships in the harbour can be seen, their sails furled in shock and mourning. The sinking of the Royal George was a devastating loss for the British navy, not only in terms of the lives lost but also in the financial and logistical impact on the fleet. This print serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of maritime warfare and the unpredictable nature of the sea.
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