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Naval Woolwork Picture (c. 1855 England)

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HMS Conqueror saw service in the Mediterranean Fleet including Malta and Gibralter. She then joined the Channel Squadron under Vice Admiral Sir C. Fremantle. In July 1860 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales reviewed the Squadron at Plymouth before his setting sail for Canada.

This wool picture is depicting that event and was probably worked by one of the crew. HMS Conqueror is seen flying the Royal Standard which signifies the Royal presence and would account for the ship’s dress and the crew’s manning of the yard arms. The schooner in the background may well be the Royal Yacht. On this occasion it was recorderd that the weather was extremely fine and
thousands of inhabitants were assembled on the heights to observe the review.
The captain was S. Sotheby CB who was an aide de camp to the Queen.

In 1861 The Conqueror under his captaincy was ordered to join the British North American Fleet and proceeded to the West Indies calling at Bermuda and Port Royal Jamaica. It was subsequently reported from Nassau Bahamas that on 13th December 1861 the Conqueror struck a reef off Rum Cay and sank. There were 1400 people on board but there was no loss of life.
She is now preserved as an underwater museum and belongs to the Bahamian Government and is today a popular dive site.

Naval woolwork picture of HMS Conqueror.
Finely stitched sailormade woolwork, seen here anchored with sails furled
and dressed overall. The flags include the Red Cross of England, the
White Ensign, Union Jack and the Royal Standard. 100 of her crew are aloft
on the yard arms and a distant schooner flying a White Ensign is sailing by.

The Conqueror was ordered from and built by Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth
and launched in 1855 as a conqueror class first rate 101 gun two decker ship
of the line for the Royal Navy. Such ships with graceful, symmetrical and
stately lines exhibited the pride, pomp and circumstance of England’s
maritime greatness of the day.

For similar examples, see Jack Tar The Sailors’ Life by
Henderson/Carlisle P62. A.C.C.
English, Circa 1855
Height 23.5” (60cm) Width 33” (84cm)
Stock No. 8844

gbp 4650.00 (Pound Sterling)