HMS 'Triton' (1796); Warship; 32-gun frigate

Scale: 1:48. A Georgian full hull model of the ‘Triton’ (1796), a 32-gun frigate. The model is decked.

The ‘Triton’ was one of the first frigates to be built of fir and was designed by Admiral James Gambier (1756–1833) who later became a member of the Board of Admiralty. It has a square to transom stern, which is unusual for British ships of the period. It also has built-up bulwarks round the quarterdeck, a feature that was introduced in the 1790s, and a simplified ‘fiddle’ figurehead to save expense. The model shows no fittings such as capstans and steering wheel.

The ship served off the coast of France from 1797 to 1800, but was reduced to harbour service in 1801, presumably because of the weakness of her timbers. The model was given to Greenwich Hospital in 1865.

Object Details

ID: SLR0589
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Vessels: Triton (1796)
Date made: circa 1796
People: Gambier, James
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Greenwich Hospital Collection
Measurements: Overall model: 250 x 1075 x 255 mm; Base: 78 x 1120 x 245 mm