| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bulldog-class sloop |
| Builders | |
| Operators |  Royal Navy |
| Preceded by | Driver class |
| Succeeded by | Trident class |
| Built | 1844–1847 |
| In commission | 1846–1865 |
| Completed | 4 |
| Lost | 4 |
| Retired | 6 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type |
|
| Tons burthen | 1122+11⁄94 bm |
| Length |
|
| Beam |
|
| Depth of hold | 21 ft 0 in (6.4 m) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Armament |
|
The Bulldog-class steam vessels (SV2) later reclassed as First Class Sloops, were designed by Sir William Symonds, the Surveyor of the Navy. Designed from the Driver class by Admiralty Order of 26 December 1843, the design was approved in 1844.[1] The changes included lengthening the bow by 10 feet to provide 6 feet of extra space in the engine room. Three vessels would have a single funnel whereas Scourge would have two and be completed as a bomb vessel. In July 1844 it was queried if Fury was to be completed as a screw vessel, however, since her construction was well along she would be completed as a paddle steamer. Four vessels were ordered and completed.
Inflexible was the third vessel to carry this name since it was used for an 18-gun sloop, launched by St John's at Lake Champlain on 1 October 1776 and whose fate is unknown.[2]
Scourge was the sixth named vessel since it was used for a 14-gun brig-sloop, launched by Allin of Dover on 26 October 1779, purchased on the stocks and foundered off the Dutch coast on 7 November 1795.[3]
Bulldog was the third vessel so named since it was used for a 16-gun sloop, launched by Ladd of Dover on 10 November 1782, made a bomb in 1798, converted to a powder hulk 1801 Breaking completed at Portsmouth in December 1829. The vessel had been in French hands from 27 February 1801 to 16 September 1801.[4]
Fury was the eighth named vessel since it was used for a 14-gun sloop, launched by Lime & Mackenzie of Leith on 18 March 1779 and broken in April 1787.[5]