IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
- Type: The Earl of Moira was a warship, likely a sloop-of-war or brig, used by the British Navy on the Great Lakes. These vessels were typically armed and utilized for patrolling, escort duties, and supporting land operations during the early 19th century.
HISTORY The Earl of Moira was constructed in 1805 and served as part of the British fleet on the Great Lakes, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. Vessels like the Earl of Moira were essential for maintaining British control over the Great Lakes, facilitating the movement of troops, supplies, and engaging in naval skirmishes.
After its service, the Earl of Moira was placed “in ordinary” (a status where a ship is maintained but not actively in commission) at Kingston, Ontario. It remained at Kingston for several years, reflecting the British strategy of maintaining naval assets in the region even after the War of 1812. The ship was eventually sold in 1837, which marked the end of its official naval service.
FINAL DISPOSITION There is speculation that the Earl of Moira might be the unidentified hull currently located at Navy Bay, Kingston, Ontario. The wreck in Navy Bay, believed to be from the early 19th century, matches the timeline and characteristics of the Earl of Moira. However, the exact identification of the hull remains uncertain.
Given the vessel’s sale in 1837 and its long service life, it is possible that the Earl of Moira was scuttled or left to deteriorate after being decommissioned and sold. If the Navy Bay wreck is indeed the Earl of Moira, it would represent a significant historical artifact from the early days of British naval power on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck have been identified.
LOCATED BY & DATE
- Discovery: The potential wreck site of the Earl of Moira is located in Navy Bay, Kingston, Ontario. The identification of the hull remains unconfirmed.
- Date: The vessel was placed in ordinary at Kingston in the early 19th century and sold in 1837. The wreckage likely dates to this period.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
- Condition: The wreckage in Navy Bay is believed to be in a state consistent with long-term submersion, with significant deterioration. The exact condition of the hull has not been fully documented.
- Accessibility: The site is underwater in Navy Bay and is accessible to divers, though any exploration should be conducted with respect to preservation laws and archaeological considerations.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Additional Resources:
- References:
- Information compiled from historical records, including the possible identification of the Navy Bay wreck as the Earl of Moira, and maritime history sources pertaining to British naval activities on the Great Lakes.
ANALYSIS The possible identification of the Navy Bay wreck as the Earl of Moira provides a fascinating glimpse into the naval history of Kingston, Ontario. The vessel’s long service life, from its construction in 1805 to its sale in 1837, highlights its importance in British naval strategy during a formative period in Canadian history. The uncertainty surrounding the wreck’s identification adds to the intrigue, making it a subject of ongoing historical and archaeological interest.
KEYWORDS: Earl of Moira, Navy Bay, Kingston, Great Lakes, British Navy, War of 1812, shipwreck, maritime history, unidentified hull, 19th-century naval history