Learning Resources

‘Twas in the Good Ship Rover’ was written by Charles Dibden, a composer who lived from 1745 to 1814.

A frigate was a war ship which was built for speed, agility and manoeuvrability. The Venus-class was a new type of 36 gun sailing frigate in the Royal Navy with more advanced gun power and better manoeuvrability, designed in 1756 by Sir Thomas Slade.

There were many wars in Europe during Charles Dibden’s lifetime. During these wars soldiers and sailors often went to war for years at a time.

The 7 years’ War lasted from 1754-1763 and involved most major nations in Europe. Britain was on the opposite side to France and Spain and Portugal was its ally.

The Napoleonic Wars lasted from 1803 – 1815. Napoleon Bonaparte was a French Emperor who waged war on several European countries including Britain. He also invaded Spain which was by then Britain’s ally so Britain sent troops to Portugal which then marched to help Spain defeat France.

The Battle of Cape Ortegal was the final naval fight in the the Battle of Trafalgar in November 1805. Cape Ortegal is in Galicia, NW Spain.

From Cape Ortegal to Cape Finisterre there are frequent gale warnings and stormy weather.

Greenwich Ship Tier is a large mooring site for big vessels near the Naval College in Greenwich, London. Today it is managed by the London Port Authority.

Teaching ideas:

• Draw and colour the national flag of Portugal
• On a map of Europe trace the journey by sea from Greenwich in London to Portugal round Cape Ortegal in Spain
• Imagine you were a cabin boy on board a frigate; write a day in the life of a cabin boy;
• What were your duties?
• What did you eat and drink?
• Where did you sleep?
• Were you in any gales?
• Were you attacked by frigates from other nations?