HMS Foudroyant: An oak plaque with a cartouche-shaped, embossed copper plaque in the centre, depicting in high relief, the wreck of the Foudroyant surmounted by the Royal Arms and surrounded by flowers. Beneath is a shield bearing an anchor and two cornucopias. Inscribed on two shields on either side of the Royal Arms 'Launched Plymouth 1795' and 'Wrecked Blackpool 1897'. Beneath the ship 'FOUDROYANT' On ribbons round the cornucopias 'Made From The Old Foudroyant'.
On a label on the back: ' The Fletchers Antique Furniture & the Foudroyant. Company Ltd hereby certify that the article herewith, if of timber, is made of timber, and if of copper is made of copper obtained from Lord Nelson's flagship Foudroyant and which ship was wrecked off Blackpool, in the county of Lancaster, on the sixteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninety seven.'
Made from the 1897 Blackpool Wreck of HMS Foudroyant. In June 1897 she was towed to Blackpool North Pier where people could pay to go aboard and visit. Later that same month she was forced ashore during a violent storm, damaging the pier as well. The Blackpool lifeboat rescued all 27 crew.
Foudroyant had a long and successful career serving Nelson as his flagship from June 1799 until June 1801. She had 17 years in active service and her last years were spent as a school ship.
There were attempts to refloat Foudroyant, but eventually her guns were removed and she was sold. She broke up during another storm in December 1897.
Approximate weight is 1.17 kilos.
Approximate dimensions are 38.2 cm height and 30 cm width.
In good condition with age related wear. The split timber is how the piece was recovered after the wreck. The strengthening piece of wood to the reverse bears the original manufacturer's label. This piece was added at the time the oak was recovered. A small chip to the top right hand corner of the oak plaque (but this could be how the piece was recovered).
