Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: HMS Charity
• Type: Schooner
• Builder: British Navy
• Year Built: 1770
• Construction Site: Niagara, Ontario
• Material: Wood
• Dimensions: Not precisely documented, but typical for schooners of the period
• Tonnage: 70 tons (old measurement system)
• Masts: Two
• Decks: Single Deck

Vessel Type Description

The HMS Charity was a two-masted wooden Schooner constructed by the British Navy in 1770 at Niagara, Ontario. Schooners of this era were renowned for their speed, maneuverability, and versatility. Designed primarily for transporting goods, troops, and critical communications, HMS Charity played a vital role in British operations during the American Revolutionary War. Its construction exemplified the robust shipbuilding of the time, suitable for the challenging conditions of Lake Ontario.

History & Significance

The HMS Charity was integral to the British strategy to maintain dominance over the Great Lakes. Operating as part of the British fleet, it performed vital tasks, such as:

• Patrolling Lake Ontario.
• Ensuring communication between military posts.
• Securing supply routes during the volatile prelude to the American Revolutionary War.

As tensions escalated with the American colonies, the HMS Charity became a critical logistical asset. The Schooner’s speed and ability to navigate shallow waters made it invaluable for troop movements and supply deliveries between forts.

However, the HMS Charity’s service was cut short. Historical accounts suggest it sank in a storm or after striking submerged rocks near Charity Shoal. Named in memory of the Schooner, this treacherous underwater feature remains a hazard for modern navigation, reflecting the dangers faced by sailors of the 18th century.

Despite the lack of precise details about the ship’s sinking, the HMS Charity’s operational history underscores its importance to British efforts in the Great Lakes. Its story symbolizes the challenges and stakes of colonial maritime warfare.

Final Disposition

The HMS Charity is believed to have been lost in the late 18th century, likely near Charity Shoal in Lake Ontario. While its exact fate remains unclear, it is presumed to have sunk due to a storm or collision with submerged rocks. No remains of the Schooner have been located, leaving its final resting place a mystery.

Located By & Date

• Located By: The wreck has not been discovered, A side-scan trip conducted by SLD’s Dan Gildea in 2023 produced an object of importance.
• Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Charity Shoal: A well-documented navigational hazard in Lake Ontario, marked by submerged rocks and shallow waters. Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously in the area, though there are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) tied to the HMS Charity wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the HMS Charity remains undiscovered, and its condition is unknown. As a result, the site is inaccessible to divers and researchers. However, ongoing underwater exploration of Lake Ontario may eventually reveal its location and provide further insights into the Schooner’s final moments.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the HMS Charity.
• Great Lakes Ships: Coverage of historical and archaeological efforts in the region.
• The Wreck of HMS Charity – Historical Maritime Archives: Articles detailing the Schooner’s role and its sinking.
• Charity Shoal: A Treacherous Legacy – Lake Ontario Journal: Exploration of the shoal’s historical and navigational significance.
• Wikipedia – Charity Shoal Royal Navy American Revolution War

Conclusion

The HMS Charity, a pivotal British naval Schooner, was a cornerstone of Great Lakes operations during the American Revolutionary War. Its contributions to securing British control over Lake Ontario highlight the strategic importance of schooners in colonial maritime warfare. Although the Schooner was lost under uncertain circumstances near Charity Shoal, its legacy endures as a symbol of the challenges faced by sailors on the inland seas.

The ongoing search for the HMS Charity’s wreck represents a tantalizing opportunity to uncover more of Lake Ontario’s rich maritime history. As exploration continues, the story of the HMS Charity may someday add a new chapter to our understanding of 18th-century naval operations on the Great Lakes.

Tags

#HMSCharity #GreatLakes #LakeOntario #18thCenturySchooners #BritishNavy #MaritimeHistory #CharityShoal #Shipwrecks