IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
HMS Prince Regent was a warship and schooner, featuring two masts and a schooner rig. Initially, it was armed with ten short-range 12-pounder carronades on each side and two long-range 6-pounder guns, with one in the bow and one in the stern. Later, its armament was upgraded to include long nines, short eighteens, and possibly a long thirty-two or twenty-four cannon. Although its firepower was lighter than that of some American ships, like the brig Oneida, the Prince Regentwas recognized for its excellent sailing capabilities.
HISTORY #
Launched in the spring of 1800 from Toronto’s government shipyard, HMS Prince Regent is notable as the only sailing fighting ship ever built in the city. The
HMS Prince Regent, later known as General Beresford and Netley, was a significant yet often overlooked player in the naval conflicts of the early 19th century. Launched in 1800 from Toronto’s government shipyard, the Prince Regent was the only sailing warship ever built in the city, a distinction that underlines its unique place in Canadian maritime history.
The ship was designed as a two-masted schooner, a configuration that provided it with remarkable speed and maneuverability—qualities that were invaluable during the War of 1812. Though its initial armament of 12-pounder carronades and 6-pounder long guns was lighter than some contemporary American vessels, the Prince Regent was a formidable presence on the Great Lakes, where it patrolled and engaged in various naval operations.
After the war, the ship’s role shifted, and it was renamed General Beresford and later Netley, reflecting its changing duties within the British Royal Navy. Commanded by Lieutenant John Tucker Williams from 1814, the vessel continued to serve until 1817, when it was decommissioned and left to decay in Kingston’s harbor. By 1836, it was little more than a derelict hulk, one of several “old ships of war” advertised as lying aground in the mud of the harbor.
Today, the remains of HMS Prince Regent rest in Navy Bay, Kingston. Discovered in shallow water, the wreck is a testament to the shipbuilding prowess of the early 19th century and the vessel’s once-vital role in British naval strategy. While the ship itself has long since ceased to sail, its story remains a significant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck discovered in Navy Bay corresponds closely in size to HMS Prince Regent, making it the most likely candidate for the ship’s identity. The wreck measures approximately 78 feet in length, smaller than other war vessels from that era. The ship currently remains in Navy Bay without any plans for raising, restoring, or preserving it. The wreck’s structure, including reinforcing timbers, cringles for sails, and lead liners for planks, remains visible and could offer valuable insights into its construction.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with this wreck.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was discovered during a period of low water in Navy Bay, Kingston. The exact date of discovery is not provided, but the identification is based on the size of the wreck and historical records.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck remains largely neglected in Navy Bay. No efforts have been made to raise or restore the vessel. Its structure remains intact and provides an opportunity for study, offering a glimpse into early 19th-century shipbuilding practices.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston: POW Kingston – Additional information on wrecks in the Kingston area.
- Canadian Government Archives: Library and Archives Canada – Archival information on naval vessels.
- Dolphin Aquatic Club Diving Sites: Diving Sites PDF – Details on diving locations in the Great Lakes.
