In August 1782 the Royal George, veteran of the Naval fleet, was anchored at Spithead to take on supplies before sailing in a mission to relieve Gibralter. She had approximately 1,200 people on board comprising her crew, their wives and children, local merchants and 100-200 'ladies from the Point'. On the morning of the 29 August she was heeled over too far, resulting in water rushing in through her gun ports, and she quickly sunk. Only 255 people were rescued including eleven women and one child.
This was a major national disaster. The majority of the bodies were washed up on the beach in Ryde, Isle of Wight, where they were buried in a mass grave on the shore. This site is now occupied by the streets and properties of Ryde Esplanade and The Strand.
A national appeal was established for the surviving widows and children, many of whom were from Portsmouth.
This was a major national disaster. The majority of the bodies were washed up on the beach in Ryde, Isle of Wight, where they were buried in a mass grave on the shore. This site is now occupied by the streets and properties of Ryde Esplanade and The Strand.
A national appeal was established for the surviving widows and children, many of whom were from Portsmouth.
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