A Ship in Ordinary
Although built for war, Unicorn spent her early life in reserve or ‘ordinary’.
Following the ship’s launch in March 1824, the Admiralty Progress Books record that HMS Unicorn was “housed fore and aft”. It was at this point that the Royal Navy added the ship’s distinctive roof, to preserve the vessel for a potential future commission.
As a result of this continuous protection, Unicorn is now the most original historic vessel left in the world.
Anchored on the River Medway until the 1850s, the ship formed part of Britain’s formidable naval force which helped to maintain the ‘Pax Britannica’ or ‘British Peace’ of the 19th century.
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Pax Britannica
With the fall of Napoleon in 1815, Britain became the world’s largest imperial and military power. This global dominance continued until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 and was marked as a century of relative peace in Europe. As a result, the period became known as ‘Pax Britannica’.
Britain’s dominance was mainly due to the strength of the nation’s navy. It was this deterrent force that HMS Unicorn was held in reserve to support.
Pax Britannica
With the fall of Napoleon in 1815, Britain became the world’s largest imperial and military power. This global dominance continued until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 and was marked as a century of relative peace in Europe. As a result, the period became known as ‘Pax Britannica’.
Britain’s dominance was mainly due to the strength of the nation’s navy. It was this deterrent force that HMS Unicorn was held in reserve to support.
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Unicorn the Powder Hulk
While not sent out as a fighting frigate during her years “in ordinary”, Unicorn was given alternative roles.
Between 1857 and 1862, the ship was loaned to the War Department as a powder hulk.
Anchored at Woolwich on the River Thames, Unicorn stored huge quantities of gunpowder for the Royal Arsenal and was cared for by shipkeeper James Middleton – who lived on board the powder hulk with his wife and children.
Unicorn the Powder Hulk
While not sent out as a fighting frigate during her years “in ordinary”, Unicorn was given alternative roles.
Between 1857 and 1862, the ship was loaned to the War Department as a powder hulk.
Anchored at Woolwich on the River Thames, Unicorn stored huge quantities of gunpowder for the Royal Arsenal and was cared for by shipkeeper James Middleton – who lived on board the powder hulk with his wife and children.
