Vessel Boscawen - Royal Navy Dorset Co

[jackiedillimore]

My gt grandfather is on board vessel Boscawen as a Boy 2nd Class in the 1891 Census. Attatched i believe to the Royal Navy Dorset Co. Can anyone tell me about this vessel at this time please.

Thanks
Jackie

[Little Nell]

Jackie,

HMS Boscawen is in Portland/Weymouth, Dorset.

The training ship Boscawen first arrived in Portland Roads in February 1862. She was a three decked sailing ship of the line, launched in 1844 but reduced to a hulk in 1862 and converted into a training ship for boy seamen. HMS Britannia had been the first training ship at Portland but the conditions in the anchorage had not suited her and she moved to Dartmouth where she became the forerunner of the Royal Naval College.

The original Boscawen at Portland left in 1873 and was replaced by HMS Trafalgar, which took on the name Boscawen and remained at Portland until she was sold in 1906. As the Royal Navy grew in size towards the end of the 19th century, so additional accommodation was required for boys' training.

Hope that answers your question.

Nell