HMS Northumberland

1868. Steering Engine designed by John Macfarlane Gray

One of the early ironclads in the British Navy, a sister ship of HMS Minotaur and HMS Agincourt, although not exactly the same.

1866 HMS Northumberland was constructed at the Millwall shipyard. She was the second heaviest vessel ever to be launched down a single pair of slipways but subsequent experience suggested these were probably not inclined at a sufficiently steep angle.

In March the first attempt was made to launch the vessel but she came to a halt with only about half her hull in the water. Hawsers were laid across the river and, together with 11 tugs, the builders tried again the following day but without success.

Further attempts were made on the next spring tides, a fortnight later, using even more assistance, but without success.

Finally a month after the first attempt, the Northumberland was successfully sent into the water.

Since that date other vessels have also stuck on the ways.

See Also

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