HMS Infernal (1757)
1757 Infernal-class bomb vessel
HMS Infernal was an 8-gun bomb vessel of the Royal Navy, constructed in 1757 and in service until 1763. Designed by Thomas Slade, she was the prototype for six subsequent Infernal class bomb vessels which saw service in the Mediterranean and the West Indies during the Seven Years' War with France. In 1760 she was refitted as a sloop and returned to active service in the Caribbean.
Infernal was paid off at the conclusion of the War in 1763, and sold out of Navy service in 1774.
Construction
Infernal was the first of seven bomb vessels designed by Surveyor of the Navy Thomas Slade to strengthen the Navy's shore bombardment capacity during the Seven Years' War. Admiralty Orders for her construction were issued on 5 October 1756, followed by a contract to master shipwright Henry Bird to build the vessel at the civilian dockyard in Northam, Southampton. The contract specified that Infernal should be ready for launch within six months in return for payment of £11.5.0 per ton burthen. While this time requirement was not met, Admiralty retained sufficient confidence in Bird's capacity that he was engaged to build a second vessel, HMS Blast, in 1759.
Infernal's dimensions were in keeping with other vessels of her class, with an overall length of 91 ft 9 in (28.0 m), a beam of 27 ft 9 in (8.5 m) and measuring 30739⁄94 tons burthen. Construction costs were £3,355 with an additional £2,082 for fitting out.
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