THE TRINCOMALEE

The 'Trincomalee' is the oldest Frigate afloat, and better still it's here in Hartlepool. I often wonder how many local people and berth holders have never visited this unique bit of history that is right on your doorstep!

There is an HMS TRINCOMALEE TRUST which maintains and conserves the ship. They operate the day to day public use of the ship for general visits, functions, meetings and weddings, and also run the gift shop. All profits help to maintain the ship, so why not do your bit and become a 'Friend', it's not expensive, and there are talks on various topics throughout the year, also good discounts for the friends of the ship.

SOME FACTS: -

HMS Trincomalee is a frigate - which when in service was light, nimble and fast, often used as the eyes for the navy. The ship was built on the design of a French frigate which was faster and more weather friendly than it's British counterpart. She was built in India in April 1816 by Master Shipbuilder Jamsetjee Bomanjee Wadia and finished in October 1817 - 18 months in total. She cost the Admiralty £23,642 to build, and was built out of Malibar teak because it took less time to season. She was named after a port in Ceylon, (now Sri Lanka), the hull is 180 ft long, with a beam of 40ft, the main mast is 165ft high, she has 4 decks, - quarter, gun, mess and orlop. She carried 28 x 18 pounder carriage guns, 10 x 9 pounder carriage guns and 16 carronades.

Information supplied by The Trincomalee Trust!

If you want to know more then go and visit her, I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Mike Fellows (Editor)