English ship Merlin (1652)
The English ship Merlin was a 14-gun sixth rate vessel built under the 1651 Programme at Chatham Dockyard for the Commonwealth of England in 1651/52. She sailed with Robert Blakes Fleet during her career in the Commonwealth Navy. She partook in the Battles of Portland, the Gabbard, Scheveningen and Porto Fina. She was incorporated into the Royal Navy as HMS Merlin in May 1660. She continued her duties in trade protection and convoy escort. She was taken by the Dutch off Cadiz, Spain defending her convoy in October 1665.
| History | |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth of England | |
| Name | Merlin |
| Ordered | December 1651 |
| Builder | Chatham Dockyard |
| Launched | 1652 |
| Commissioned | 1652 |
| Renamed | HMS Merlin May 1660 |
| Honours and awards |
|
| Kingdom of England | |
| Name | HMS Merlin |
| Acquired | May 1660 |
| Commissioned | September 1660 |
| Fate | Taken by Dutch 13 October 1665 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type | 14-gun sixth rate |
| Tons burthen | 12924⁄94 tons (bm) |
| Length | 75 ft 0 in (22.86 m) keel for tonnage |
| Beam | 18 ft 8 in (5.69 m) |
| Draught | 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) |
| Depth of hold | 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement |
|
| Armament | as built 14/12 guns |
She was the second vessel to bear the name Merlin since it was used for a 10-gun pinnace, built in 1579 and listed until 1601.
She was awarded the Battle Honours Portland 1653, Gabbard 1653, Sheveningen 1653 and Porto Farina.