A Newsworthy
Historical Event
a view of the launching of the grafton at deptford when their majesties were present
The london chronicle
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The Gloucester Journal
September 30, 1771Two women were drownedWhile other articles focused on the pomp, ceremony, and spectacle, the Gloucester Journal mentioned a sadder event "During the time of the man of war being launched, a boat with six passengers was overset by a Gravesend boat running foul of her, when two women were drowned and the remainders saved with great difficulty."
John cleveley (The elder) c. 1712 - 1777
Contemporary newspaper accounts of the 1771 event
October 17, 1771The news reaches AmericaThe story got a brief mention in seven newspapers in the British colonies of Virginia and South Carolina. The article from Williamsburg also mentions the building of some smaller frigates at Deptford and notes that the Royal Navy was requiring "the felling of all large Oak Trees now growing on the Royal Chases, for the Use of the Royal Navy.
Building a ship like Grafton could require as many as 6,000 mature oak trees, and the clear-cutting of 100 acres of forest.
Building a ship like Grafton could require as many as 6,000 mature oak trees, and the clear-cutting of 100 acres of forest.
September 27, 1771The Grafton was launched exactly ten minutes after three.While other articles focused on the pomp, ceremony, and spectacle, the Gloucester Journal mentioned a sadder event "The launch was a very fine one. When she went off the slips, there were a great number of people in her; and the whole made a very pleasing appearance."
The Virginia Gazette Williamsburg, Virginia
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