HMS Beagle

HMS Beagle was launched on 11 May 1820 on the River Thames and she even participated in a fleet review celebrating the coronation of King George IV of the United Kingdom, and for that occasion it is believed to have been the first vessel to navigate under the old London Bridge.

She was then modified as a survey ship which was appointed in three other survey expeditions. On the first voyage and survey, the Beagle channel was discovered and named after the ship. Refitted for the second expedition, the upper deck was raised and equipped with 22 chronometers, lightning conductor and even brass guns.

After carrying out numerous surveys in South America, she sailed back through New Zealand, Sydney, Hobart Town and finally reached Falmouth, Cornwall, England, on 2 October 1836.

On the second mission, a young gentleman Charles Darwin was on board where he kept a journal depicting his experiences during this expedition which has an important role in his knowledge in natural history and in developing his scientific theories. “The Voyage of the Beagle” has made Beagle one of the most well-known ships in history.