A FINE 1:48 SCALE ADMIRALTY BOARD STYLE MODEL OF THE 100 GUN FIRST-RATE SHIP ROYAL GEORGE [1756]

the 42in. planked and pinned hull with ebonised main and secondary wales with hinged gun ports, finely carved double equestrian figurehead, relief carvings to bulwarks, glazed stern with balustrades and further carving, three brass lanterns, planked decks with cutaway masts, gratings, belfry, well deck with two fitted boats and spare spars, companionways and other details, cradle mounted on wooden display case with glazed cover, overall measurements – 21 x 54 x 15½in. (53 x 137 x 39.5cm.)

Immortalised in William Cowper’s epic poem On the Loss of the Royal George, the spectacular sinking of H.M.S. Royal George at Spithead on 29th August 1782 was one of the worst disasters ever to befall a vessel of the Royal Navy.

The magnificent 100-gun 1st rate Royal George was launched at Woolwich on 18th February 1756 after nine years on the stocks. Measured by her builder at 2,065 tons, she was 178 feet in length and mounted 28 guns on each of her three decks plus a further 12 on her quarterdeck and 4 on her forecastle. Serving with distinction in both the Seven Years’ War (1756-63), during which she was flagship to Sir Edward Hawke at his daring and decisive defeat of the French in Quiberon Bay on 20th November 1759, and the American War of Independence (beginning in 1775), the summer of 1782 found her lying at Spithead amongst a fleet being assembled to relieve the siege of Gibraltar. Whilst she was taking on stores prior to departure, a party of dockyard plumbers came aboard to fit a new pump and requested that the ship be heeled over to allow a small hole to be drilled in her side below the waterline. Captain Waghorn agreed and various tiers of the ship’s cannon were moved in order to assist the manoeuvre. Suddenly, and without warning, water began pouring into the lower deck and a few minutes later, at about 9.20am. on 29th August, Royal George rolled onto her beam ends and sank in full view of every vessel in the anchorage. Not only were most of her officers and crew drowned, including Rear-Admiral Kempenfelt, but also a large number of women and children who were aboard visiting their husbands and fathers; although the actual total could never be verified, some estimates put the loss of life as high as 900 persons. The subsequent Court Martial blamed rotten timbers giving way under the stress of the heel as the most likely cause of the disaster but, whatever the truth, it remains one of the most embarrassing losses in the long history of the Royal Navy.

Several attempts were made to salvage items from the ship, most notably by Colonel Pasley in 1839, and her remains were finally blown up by the Royal Engineers in the early 1840s. The materials recovered were fashioned into all manner of souvenirs and mementoes for which, despite the ship’s tragic end, there was a lively market.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.