HMS 'Grampus' as a hospital ship off Greenwich

Vignette, signed by artist lower left, 'W. P. Kay'. In 1821, on the official foundation of the merchant Seamens' (now Seafarers) Hospital Society, the Admiralty allocated it the 'Grampus', 50 guns (originally called 'Tiger'), to be moored as a hospital ship 'for seamen of all nations' off Greenwich, as shown here. This was considered the best place for taking sick seamen on board, with good shore communication, and was also close to the Greenwich Hospital Infirmary. This lithograph may date to around the end of Grampus's career, or be a later recollection of her. 'Grampus' was replaced with the 'Dreadnought' (see PAJ2839) in 1827 - though 1831 is also given in some sources. 'Dreadnought' was replaced in 1856 by the 'Caledonia', which was renamed 'Dreadnought' (see PAH3251 and PAH3271). She served until 1870, when the Society took over the former Greenwich Hospital Infirmary as the 'Dreadnought Hospital' and came ashore.

Object Details

ID: PAF8002
Collection: Fine art
Type: Print
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Kay, William Porden
Vessels: Grampus (1802)
Date made: about 1827, or later
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Mount: 334 mm x 402 mm