| Summary : 1707 wreck of English Third Rate ship of the line, which was one of several ships escorting a large outward-bound convoy of 130 ships bound for Lisbon and the Mediterranean. Off the Lizard, the convoy was attacked by French squadrons, with the DEVONSHIRE in the vanguard of the line of battle facing the French attack. The DEVONSHIRE fought off a combined attack from three French vessels until her stern galleries caught fire and she blew up. Three of the other escorts, the CUMBERLAND, CHESTER, and RUBY, were captured. Originally constructed, of wood, in 1692, this sailing vessel was rebuilt in 1704. |
More information : Blew up and sank following an engagement with the French. (1)(2)
DEVONSHIRE, 3rd Rate of 80 guns, 1,158 tons BM originally, 154 x 41.5ft, built by Wyatt, Bursledon, 05.04.1692; rebuilt 1704 as 1,220 tons BM.
Blown up in action with the French off the Lizard, 10 October 1707. (3)
The DEVONSHIRE led the small line of battle which faced the combined French squadrons in their attck on the Lisbon convoy off the Lizard. She was engaged by two of the enemy, the BLACKWALL, 50 guns, and the SALISBURY, 50 guns,* which she held at bay for some time, until the LIS, 70 guns, joined the fight after her battle with the CUMBERLAND. The fighting continued until that evening when the stern galleries caught fire, which spread, and finally she blew up. There were only three survivors from a crew of 500 men. (4)
*English vessels captured by the French, and thus recognised by their English names in English-language accounts, as was typical for the period. (5)
DEVONSHIRE, built as a rebuild 1704. 156ft x 42ft 1.5in x 17ft, 1,220 tons BM. Crew complement 520 in wartime, 360 in peacetime.
10 October 1707: blown up in action with the French. (6)
Built: 1692 (3); 1704 (4)(6)
Builder: Wyatt (3)
Where Built: Bursledon (3)
Rebuilt: 1704 (3)(6)
Builder: Lee (6)
Where Built: Woolwich (4)(6)
Master: John Balchen (1)(2)
Commanding Officer: Capt. John Watkins (4)
Complement: 520 wartime/360 peacetime (6)
Armament: 80 guns (3)(4); 1707: 20 x 24pdr; 28 x 12pdr, 22 sakers and 4 x 3pdr = 74 guns (6)
Owner: Royal Navy [all sources]
Date of Loss Qualifier: Actual date of loss |