THE KING'S SHIPS. OMETIMES in Wagner's musical dramas the ing melody foretells the inevitable catastrophe toward which the action is moving; as when in Lohengrin's bridal chamber, the well-known sound of the distant Grail motive steals suddenly upon the ear, and the heart of the rapt listener is smitten with a sense of impending doom. So in the drama of maritime discovery, as glimpses of new worlds were beginning to reward the enterprising crowns of Spain and Portugal, for a moment there came from the north a few brief notes fraught with om inous portent. The power for whom destiny had reserved the world empire of which these southern nations-so noble in aim, so mistaken in policy-were dreaming stretched forth her hand, in quiet disregard of papal bulls, and laid it upon the western shore of the ocean. It was only for a moment, and long years were to pass before the consequences were developed. But in truth the first fateful note that heralded the corning English supremacy were sounded when John Cabot's tiny craft sailed out from the Bristol channel on a bright May morning of 1497. From the opening chapters of John Fiske's Discovery of America,' Vol. ii. That supremacy was built up by King's Ships, the majority of which were built in the King's Royal Dockyards-Pembroke from 1814; Plymouth (now Devonport) from about 1690; Woolwich, 1509-1869, although the information is uncertain for the first 150 years; Chatham, from the days of Good Queen Bess; Sheerness from Charles II c. 1668; Deptford, 1513-1869 (here again the information is lacking in the sixteenth century) and lastly Portsmouth founded by Henry VIII. 1 Feb., 1817. THETIS, 46, 5th rate (1086)T. Lost 1830. 29 July, 1817. ARETHUSA, 46, 5th rate (1084)T. Afterwards renamed BACCHUS. 4 Apr., 1818. RACER, cutter. 3 June, 1818. SPRIGHTLY, cutter. Wrecked off Portland as revenue cutter. January, 1821. 26 Apr., 1819. BELLEISLE, 74, 3rd rate Afterwards con(1709)T. Sir W. Rule. verted to troopship. 8 Aug., 1819. FISGARD, 46, 5th rate (1069)T. 13 May, 1820. SYI.VIA, cutter. 10 June, 1820. FROLIC, 10, brig sloop Sir H. Peake. (236) T. 10 June, 1820. FALCON, 10, brig sloop (237)T. Sir H. Peake. 10 Aug., 1820. (1089)T. 17 Feb., 1821. 17 Feb., 1821. 30 July, 1821. (1094)T. 26 Oct., 1821. (237)T. Sir H. at Chatham. 25 June, 1823. Sir H. Peake. became surveying 25 July, 1823. (1082)T. 1 Nov., 1823. (228) T. Sir H. 28 June, 1824. 27 July, 1824. (2284)T. 9 Sept., 1824. (1083)T. MELAMPUS, 46, 5th rate SKYLARK, revenue cutter. SWIFT, cutter. NEREUS, 46, 5th rate REYNARD, 10, brig sloop Peake. Became a lighter METEOR, 28, bomb, (378)T. Renamed BEACON, 8, and vessel. HAMADRYAD, 46, 5th rate ZEPHYR, 10, brig sloop Peake. WELLINGTON, lighter. THISBE, 46, 5th rate Might have been laid down as THISTLE originally. 6 Oct., 1827. Sir H. Peake. 6 Oct., 1827. packet brig old 15 Apr., 1828. 28 June, 1828. (160)T. SPEY, 10, brig sloop (231)T. PIGEON (ex VARIABLE), 10, 28 June, 1828. SNIPE, cutter (122)T. 11 Aug., 1828. COMET, 18, ship sloop (462)T. Prof. Inman. Re-named COMUS later. 9 Oct., 1828. (1171)T. 2 June, 1829. (463)T. Prof. later. HOTSPUR, 46, 5th rate LIGHTNING, 18, ship sloop 12 Oct., 1829. PARTRIDGE, 10, brig sloop 21 Oct., 1829. RAVEN, cutter surveying vessel (108) T. Sir R. Seppings. 31 Oct., 1829. STARLING, 4, cutter (108)T. Sir R. Seppings. Sold 1843. 24 May, 1830 (?). WIZARD, 10 (231)T. Sir H. Peake, Lord Melville's List 183046 gives date 1832. 21 July, 1830. SEAHORSE, 44, 5th rate (1212)T. Converted to single screw 1846 as (1258)T. 2 Oct., 1830. STAG, 46, 5th rate (1218)T. 29 Jan., 1831. Timber barge. 12 May, 1831. VIPER, 6, schooner (183)T. Sir R. Seppings. 24 June, 1831. (660)T. Sir R. Seppings. 25 Aug., 1831. Prof Inman. 8 Nov., 1831. (486)T. IMOGENE, 28, 6th rate Prof. March, 1840. FLY, 18, ship sloop (485)T. HARRIER, 18, ship sloop Inman. 14 May, 1832. COCKATRICE, 6, schooner (182)T. Sir R. Seppings. Fitted as a victualling transport in 1846. 23 June, 1834. TARTARUS, 4, paddle sloop (523)T. Capt. Symonds. (The twenty-fifth steam-propelled vessel in the Royal Navy.) 28 April., 1835. CLEOPATRA, 26, 6th rate (918)T. Capt. Symonds. 25 Aug., 1835. VANGUARD, 80, 2nd rate (2609) T. Capt. Symonds. Re-named AJAX in 1867. 16 Mar., 1836. HARLEQUIN, 16, brig sloop (418)T. Capt. Symonds. Later lists give (433)T. DIDO, 18, corvette (734)T. 13 June, 1836. Capt. Symonds. 12 Aug., 1836. CARYSFORT, 26, 6th rate (935)T. Capt. Symonds. 29 Aug., 1836. CREMILL, victualling hoy. 31 Aug., 1837. GORGON, paddle sloop (1111)T. Capt. Symonds. 26 Sept., 1837. LILY, 16, brig sloop (432)T. Capt. Symonds. 23 Apr., 1838. PENGUIN, 6, new class packet brig (barque rigged) (360)T. Capt. Symonds. 24 Apr., 1838. GRECIAN, 16, brig sloop (484)T. Capt. Symonds. 23 May, 1838. PETEREL, 6, new class packet brig (359) T. Capt. Symonds. 6 Aug., 1838. DAPHNE, 18, corvette (726)T. Capt. Symonds. 18 Sept., 1838. MERLIN, paddie mail steam packet (889) T. Sir W. Symonds. 31 Oct., 1838. MEDUSA, paddle mail packet (889)T. Sir Wm. Symonds. CYCLOPS, paddle sloop 10 July, 1839. (1195) T. Sir W. Symonds. 7 Oct., 1839. PERSIAN. Brig sloop (484)T. Sir W. Symonds. 18 Mar., 1840. MEDINA, paddle mail 27 Aug., 1832. ANDROMACHE, 28, 6th rate steam packet (889) T. Sir W. Symonds. (709) T. Sir R. Seppings. 2 Apr., 1833. ROYAL WILLIAM, 120, 1st rate (2694)T. 18 June, 1833. RODNEY, 92, 2nd rate (2598)T. Sir R. Seppings. Later lists give (2626)T. 14 July, 1840. IRIS, 26, 6th rate (906 VIXEN, 6, paddle sloop GEYSER, 6, paddle sloop 5 July, 1841. CAMBRIAN, 36, 5th rate (1622)T. Sir W. Symonds. 17 August, 1841. COLLINGWOOD, 80, 2nd monds. Re-named OSBORNE in 1854. Broken up 1868. 11 July, 1843. HELENA, 16, brig (549) T. Sir Wm. Symonds. 21 Sept., 1843. (1191)T. VULTURE, 6, paddle sloop 3 Apr., 1844. FLYING FISH, 12, brig (445)T. Sir W. Symonds. 2 May, 1844. CENTURION, 84, 2nd rate (2590) T. Sir W. Symonds. 1 July, 1844. JUNO, 26, 6th rate (923)T. Sir W. Symonds. Re-named ATALANTA in 1878. Lost as training-ship coming from Bermuda, probably about 12/16 February, 1880. 21 Aug., 1844. Tank vessel. 18 April, 1845. KINGFISHER, 12, brig (445)T. Sir W. Symonds. 22 Apr., 1845. INFLEXIBLE, 6, paddle sloop (1122)T. 17 July, 1845. DRAGON, 6, paddle frigate (1270)T. rate 12 Mar., 1846. CONSTANCE, 50, 4th (2132)T. Sir W. Symonds. 5 Aug., 1846. CONFLICT, 8, single screw (992)T. Sir W. Symonds. screw (895)T. 24 Sept., 1846. ENCOUNTER, 14, Mr. Fairbairn. single 19 Oct., 1846. MARINER, 12 (481)T. W. Symonds. rate 15 Apr., 1847. SYBILLE, 36, 5th (1622)T. Sir W. Symonds. Sir 12 June, 1847. BRITOMART, 10, brig, (330)T. Sir W. Symonds. 29 July, 1847. LION, 80, 2nd rate, 3842 (2611)T. Sir W. Symonds. Employed in conjunction with IMPLACABLE ex DUNGUAY-TROUIN after 1855 as training ship. She had been fitted with screw after launching. 8 Sept., 1847. CAMILLA, 16, brig (549)T. Sir W. Symonds. 9 Oct., 1847. ATALANTA, 16, brig (551)T. Sir W. Symonds. NOTE. From about 1830 to 1847 there was an ALGIERS building at Pembroke (N. N.L. to July, 1848) but the N.L., 1848, gives her as building at Devonport. 1 June, 1848. COLOSSUS, 84, 2nd rate (2590)T. Sir W. Symonds. DESPERATE, 8, single screw Sir W. Symonds. 23 Apr., 1849. (1038)T. W. 20 June, 1849. ARETHUSA, 50, 4th rate (2126)T., now 3832 (3141)T. Sir Symonds. 18 Aug., 1849. OCTAVIA, 50, 4th rate (2125) T. Sir W. Symonds. 11 June, 1850. LIBERTY, 12, brig (428)T. Sir W. Symonds. 19 Sept., 1850. MARTIN, 12, brig (481)T., afterwards KINGFISHER (later than 1856). Note: The following three vessels were not completed. N.L.'s 1847-50. FALCON, Screw (992)T. Sir W. Symonds; N.L.'s 1847-50. HARRIER, Screw (895)T. Mr. Fincham; and N.L.'s 1847-50. ENCHANTRESS, screw (992)T. Sir W. Symonds. JOHN A. RUPERT-JONES. (To be continued.) ᎡᎻ Readers' Queries. HYMES FOR MEMORIZING THE LAND. I wonder if I could be informed Willy Willy Harry Stee Harry Dick John Harry Three W. G. S. RANDOLPH. Valentine Randolp. was way round (but without the inscription) Devon and Exeter Library, The ARMS IN BISHOPSTONE CHURCH, SALISBURY DIOCESE.-In the vestry in the church at Bishopstone, diocese of Salisbury, where the list of rectors dates from the beginning of the fourteenth century, are two stained-glass windows of ancient date. emblazoning on one is worn and not easily decipherable, but appears to be, Argent a saltire gules between three lozenges or, two in fess and one in base; in the middle chief is a billet whereon is depicted something which bears a resemblance to a lion rampant. This coat, which occupies the space on the shield usually assigned to the 1st and 3rd quarters, impales in the 2nd quarter, Argent on a fess sable a mullet or, and in the 4th quarter, Argent, in chief three roundels and below a label of five points sable. The other window depicts an almost complete achievement, is quite clear, and is as follows: Bendy of six sable and argent. Crest. On a wreath on a helmet (partly affronté and partly profile) guarded with six bars or, two wings displayed argent. It is possibly worth recording that the arms of the Baynton family, who were the principal gentry of this parish in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, were, Sable a bend lozengy argent. Any information as to these arms would be welcomed. C. S. C. (B/C). JOHN WESLEY'S SILVER PLATE In 'Books in Bottle,' by W. G. Clifford, 1926, it is stated that, in 1750, "the Commissioners of Excise were impertinent enough to suggest to Wesley [John Wesley] that he had not made a full and complete return of all his taxable plate. Wesley replied that he "had two silver teaspoons at London, and two at Bristol; this is all the plate which I have at present, and I shall not buy any more while so many around me want bread." What was this return of taxable plate, and WELDON'S CHRONOLOGICAL NOTES do the returns exist? P. D. M. MARLBOROUGH ARMS.-Can any reader give information as to an engraved plate of the arms with the following inscription beneath : Du tres-Haut, Puissant, et tres-Noble Prince, George Spencer Duc de Marlborough, Marquis de Blandford, Comte de Sunderland & de Marlborough, Baron Spencer de Wormleighton, et Baron Churchill de Sandridge, Seigneur-Lieutenant de la Province d'Oxford, et Garde des Rolles dans le meme Province, Confeiller d'Etat Prive, et Chevalier du tres -Noble Ordre de la Jarretiere, | Installé au Chateau de Windsor, le 25me Jour de Juillet, MDCCLXXI. The plate mark is 9 x 7 inches, and the whole is engraved the wrong way round for printing from, so that the plate would be right to read, but the impression is backwards. The original sketch for it, the right OF THE ENGLISH BENEDICTINES.' -Can some reader who has access to the above work on the English Benedictine Congregation, published in 1881, help me by giving me Wm. the references contained therein to Hudleston, O.S.B., born 1685, died 1743? C. ROY HUDLESTON. SAMUEL KNIPE, fl. c. 1630-40.—Informa tion is sought concerning Samuel Knipe, who in December 1636, was described as of Fairbank, Northumberland. I presume he is identical with the Samuel Knipe recorded in the 1664 Visitation of Lancashire (Chet. Soc. vol. lxxxv., p. 170), as fourth son of William Knipe, by Jane, daughter of Wilson, of Fairbank, Westmorland. Are the two Fairbanks different places, or one and the same? Particulars of Knipe's marriage are sought. C. Roy HUDLESTON. Little Mead, Chapel Green Lane, Redland, Bristol. A COW AND THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE.-It is stated in T.P. and Cassell's Weekly that the great fire in Chicago was Is this the official statement as to the cause of R. HEDGER WALLACE. BON GAULTIER'S MANSFIELD.-Robert Mansfield, his wife Elizabeth Mansfield, wife of John Wilson, CULLODEN MEMORIALS (See clii. 259). NOVELS ABOUT COLONEL BLOOD. As I Perhaps some reader may be able to say Talbot where I can get the book entitled Harland,' by Harrison Ainsworth. It seems scarce. I have seen it only in one of the lists of Ainsworth's books, and had never heard of this one till the other day. It deals with the attempt of Colonel Blood to steal the Crown jewels in Charles II's reign, acting, it is believed, on behalf of that monarch. am a direct descendant of Colonel Blood, on my mother's side, I am naturally interested in his exploit made the subject of an historical novel. I have written to Routledge, who has published some of Ainsworth's books, but am told this is out of print as regards Can anyone give the relationship of these that firm. Other firms publish Ainsworth's three lines in America? Does the pedigree books but I do not know all their names. of Sir John's family show a Royal Irish An interesting book called 'Whitefriars strain? Is such a pedigree in existence? | (anonymous, but I believe by Miss Robinson) Would the three lines bear the same arms? deals graphically with Col. Blood's adventure; but that book is out of print. Richard Mansfield, son of Sir John M., settled in Boston, 1636. A Samuel Mansfield came over in King George's Army; no record in America; left descendants. What are these? M. B. GODWIN. H. A. B. |