Remains of a battery of English cannon from Youghal.

English cannon (or British cannon) were first used by the English during the Hundred Years War, when primitive cannon were used at the Battle of Crécy. Under the Tudors, the first forts featuring cannon batteries were built, while cannon were first used by the Tudor navy (where a cannon is referred to as a gun). With the Age of Discovery, and the establishment of the Thirteen Colonies, cannon saw use in British armies in North America, first against the rival colony of New France, and later during the American Revolutionary War. They were later used by the English and British Empires, from the 15th century Age of Discovery to World War I. WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: 51. ... Look up English, english in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is in need of attention. ... Combatants Kingdom of England, Allied knights from Germany and Denmark France, Genoese Mercenaries, the Kingdoms of Navarre, Bohemia and the Balearic Islands Commanders Edward III of England Edward, the Black Prince Philip VI of France Strength about 12,000 30,000 to 40,000 Casualties 150-1,000 killed and... Tudor usually relates to the Tudor period in English history, which refers to the period of time between 1485 and 1558/1603 when the Tudor dynasty held the English throne. ... Remains of a battery of English cannon from Youghal, County Cork. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration was a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners to feed burgeoning capitalism in Europe. ... In 1775, the British claimed authority over the red and pink areas on this map and Spain ruled the orange. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... Flag Capital Quebec Language(s) French Religion Roman Catholicism Government Monarchy King See List of French monarchs Governor See list of Governors Legislature Sovereign Council of New France Historical era Ancien Régime in France  - Royal Control 1655  - Articles of Capitulation of Quebec 1759  - Articles of Capitulation of Montreal 1760... Combatants American Revolutionaries, France, Dutch Republic, Spain, American Indians Kingdom of Great Britain, German mercenaries, Loyalists, American Indians Commanders George Washington, Comte de Rochambeau, Nathanael Greene, Bernardo de Gálvez Sir William Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Cornwallis (more commanders) The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ... The Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration was a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners to feed burgeoning capitalism in Europe. ... Combatants Allied Powers: Russian Empire France British Empire Italy United States Central Powers: Austria-Hungary German Empire Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Commanders Nikolay II Aleksey Brusilov Georges Clemenceau Joseph Joffre Ferdinand Foch Robert Nivelle Herbert H. Asquith D. Lloyd George Sir Douglas Haig Sir John Jellicoe Victor Emmanuel III Luigi Cadorna...

Early English cannon

A reconstruction of the vase cannon that fired arrows.

English cannon saw its first use during the Hundred Years War, being only used in small numbers by a few states during the 1340s. "Ribaldis" were first mentioned in the English Privy Wardrobe accounts during preparations for the Battle of Crécy between 1345 and 1346.^[1] These were believed to have shot large arrows and simplistic grapeshot, but they were so important they were directly controlled by the Royal Wardrobe.^[1] According to the contemporary Jean Froissart, the English cannon made "two or three discharges on the Genoese", which is taken to mean individual shots by two or three guns because of the time taken to reload such primitive artillery.^[1] The Florentine Giovanni Villani agreed that they were destructive on the field, though he also indicated that the guns continued to fire upon French cavalry later in the battle: This article is in need of attention. ... Centuries: 13th century - 14th century - 15th century Decades: 1290s 1300s 1310s 1320s 1330s - 1340s - 1350s 1360s 1370s 1380s 1390s Years: 1340 1341 1342 1343 1344 1345 1346 1347 1348 1349 Events and Trends The Black Death spreads across Europe The Battle of Sluys is fought between the naval fleets of... Combatants Kingdom of England, Allied knights from Germany and Denmark France, Genoese Mercenaries, the Kingdoms of Navarre, Bohemia and the Balearic Islands Commanders Edward III of England Edward, the Black Prince Philip VI of France Strength about 12,000 30,000 to 40,000 Casualties 150-1,000 killed and... Events Miracle of the Host Births October 31 - King Fernando I of Portugal (died 1383) Agnès of Valois, daughter of John II of France (died 1349) Eleanor Maltravers, English noblewoman (died 1405) Deaths April 14 - Richard Aungerville, English writer and bishop (born 1287) September 16 - John IV, Duke of... // Events Serbian Empire was proclaimed in Skopje by Dusan Silni, occupying much of the South-Eastern Europe Foundation of the University of Valladolid Foundation of Pembroke College, University of Cambridge August 26 Battle of Crecy after which Edward the Black Prince honored the bravery of John I, Count of Luxemburg... Jean Froissart (~1337 - ~1405) was one of the most important of the chroniclers of medieval France. ... Alternate uses, see Genoa (disambiguation). ... Giovanni Villani (ca 1275-1348), the Florentine writer of the famous chronicles (the Cronica) is the greatest Italian chronicler of his own times and the cornerstone of the early medieval history of Florence. ...

"The English guns cast iron balls by means of fire… They made a noise like thunder and caused much loss in men and horses… The Genoese were continually hit by the archers and the gunners… [by the end of the battle] the whole plain was covered by men struck down by arrows and cannon balls."^[1]

Similar cannon appeared also at the Siege of Calais in the same year, and by the 1380s, the "ribaudekin" had become mounted on wheels.^[1] Combatants England France Commanders Edward III of England Jean de Fosseux Strength 34,000 men: 5,300 knights, 6,600 infantry, 20,000 archers, 2,000 Flemish soldiers 7,000 to 8,000 citizens The Siege of Calais in northern France began in 1346, towards the beginning of what would...

The Tudor navy and the rise of the fort

Portland Castle Cannon Battery. Note the steps cut into the brackets (the side timbers) to aid elevation by providing purchase points for the handspikes

See also: The Tudors and the Royal Navy and Device Forts

Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the development of cannon made revolutionary changes to siege warfare throughout Europe, with many castles becoming susceptible to artillery fire. In England, significant changes were evident from the 16th century, when Henry VIII began building Device Forts between 1539 and 1540 as artillery fortresses to counter the threat of invasion from France and Spain. They were built by the state at strategic points for the first powerful cannon batteries, but unlike true castles, these were served a purely military function (rather than serving as residences). Deal Castle is one of the most impressive such Device Forts, and was perfectly symmetrical, with a low, circular keep at its centre. Over 200 cannon and gun ports were set within the walls, and the fort was essentially a firing platform, with a shape that allowed many lines of fire; its low curved bastions were designed to deflect cannon balls.^[2] Cannon were now an inexorable part of English warfare. Portland Castle is one of the Device Forts built in 1539 by Henry VIII on the Isle of Portland to guard the superb natural Portland anchorage. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Device Forts are a series of artillery fortifications built in England by Henry VIII. After his divorce of Catherine of Aragon left England politically isolated, a treaty between France and Spain in 1538 aroused fears of invasion. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... Silver groat of Henry VIII, minted c. ... The Device Forts are a series of artillery fortifications built in England by Henry VIII. After his divorce of Catherine of Aragon left England politically isolated, a treaty between France and Spain in 1538 aroused fears of invasion. ... Events May 30 - In Florida, Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay with 600 soldiers with the goal to find gold. ... Year 1540 was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... Deal Castle was built by Henry VIII, the most impressive of the Device Forts. ... The keep of Scarborough Castle Rochester Castle featuring a massive turreted keep Early 13th century keep (Rouen, France) The 14th century residential keep at Largoët A keep is a strong central tower which normally forms the heart of a castle. ...

Cannon also saw use in the Tudor navy (where a cannon was a "gun", and a cannonball a "shot"). The French "culverin" was adapted for naval use by the English in the late 16th century, and had a significant advantage over the ballista that had previously been used in naval warfare.^[3][1] This cannon was of relatively long barrel and light construction, and fired solid round shot projectiles at long ranges along a flat trajectory. One of the first ships to be able to fire a full cannon broadside was the English carrack the Mary Rose, built in Portsmouth from 1509–1510, and equipped with 78 guns (91 after an upgrade in 1536). It was one of the earliest purpose-built warships to serve in the English Navy (thought never to have served as a merchant ship), and her crew consisted of 200 sailors, 185 soldiers, and 30 gunners.^[4] To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... USS Iowa (BB-61) fires a full broadside of nine 16/50 and six 5/38 guns during a target exercise near Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, 1 July 1984. ... A culverin is a cannon that fires an 18-pound solid round shot. ... The ballista (Latin, from Greek ballistÄ“s, from ballein to throw, plural ballistae) was a powerful ancient crossbow, although employing a several loops of twisted skeins to power it using torsion rather than a prod. ... Different types of cannon balls recovered from the Vasa, sunk in 1628 Round shot is a type of projectile fired from guns or cannons. ... USS Iowa Broadside (1984) A broadside is the side of a ship; the battery of cannon on one side of a warship; or their simultaneous (or near simultaneous) fire in naval warfare. ... The Santa Maria at anchor by Andries van Eertvelt, painted c. ... Mary Rose depicted on the Anthony Roll, a survey of Henry VIIIs navy, completed in 1546 The Mary Rose was an English carrack and one of the first to be able to fire a full broadside of cannons. ... For other places with the same name, see Portsmouth (disambiguation). ... 1509 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1510 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A small cannon on a carriage, Bucharest. ... Diagrams of first and third rate warships, England, 1728 Cyclopaedia. ... Cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship that carries goods and materials from one port to another. ...

With the Age of Discovery, rivalry developed between European colonies, and the importance of cannon in naval warfare was now more important than ever. Many merchant vessels were armed with cannon by this time, and the aggressive activities of English privateers, who engaged the galleons of the Spanish treasure fleets, helped provoke the first Anglo-Spanish War. A fleet review on Elizabeth I's accession in 1559 showed the navy to consist of 39 ships, and in 1588, Philip II of Spain launched the Spanish Armada against England, but after a running battle lasting over a week, the Armada was scattered. The Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration was a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners to feed burgeoning capitalism in Europe. ... A privateer was a private ship (or its captain) authorized by a countrys government to attack and seize cargo from another countrys ships. ... In the 16th century the Spanish treasure fleets brought the wealth of the Spanish colonies in Central and South America to Spain, in the form of silver, gold, gems, spices, cocoa and other exotic goods (Zarin, 2005). ... Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588-08-08 by Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg, painted 1796, depicts the battle of Gravelines. ... HMS Terrible at Queen Victorias Diamond Jubilee Fleet Review in 1897. ... Elizabeth I (7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603 ) was Queen of England and Queen of Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. ... 1588 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar or a leap year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. ... Philip II (Spanish: Felipe II de Habsburgo; Portuguese: Filipe I) (May 21, 1527 – September 13, 1598) was the first official King of Spain from 1556 until 1598, King of Naples and Sicily from 1554 until 1598, King of England (as King-consort of Mary I) from 1554 to 1558, King... For the navy of Spain, see Spanish Navy. ...

The lower tier of 17th century English ships of the line were usually equipped with demi-cannon — a naval gun which fired a 32-pound solid shot. A full cannon at this time fired a 42-pound shot, but these were discontinued by the 18th century as they were seen as too unwieldy. Ships of the line were 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-rated ships in the rating system of the Royal Navy. ... The multinational Combined Task Force One Five Zero (CTF-150) The British Grand Fleet, the supreme naval force of World War I A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational fleet, during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Oman Sea. ... A gun is a common name given to a device that fires high-velocity projectiles. ...

The eighteenth century

With the establishment of the Thirteen Colonies, cannon saw use in English armies in the North American mainland, first against the rival colony of New France. However, although the French were outnumbered, their fortifications and artillery were superior to English cannon. When 34 ships from the English colony of Massachusetts bombarded Québec in 1690, they were outmatched by the French batteries, which badly damaged the ships' hulls and struck off the colours of the English flagship. The English brass field guns landed on the shore were entirely ineffective against the militiamen in the woods, and a spontaneous retreat left five cannon abandoned on the shore. French victory showed that to take Quebec, the cannon of "Old England would have to be brought in".^[5] In 1775, the British claimed authority over the red and pink areas on this map and Spain ruled the orange. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... Flag Capital Quebec Language(s) French Religion Roman Catholicism Government Monarchy King See List of French monarchs Governor See list of Governors Legislature Sovereign Council of New France Historical era Ancien Régime in France  - Royal Control 1655  - Articles of Capitulation of Quebec 1759  - Articles of Capitulation of Montreal 1760... Combatants England France Commanders William Phips Louis de Buade de Frontenac Strength 2,300 regulars and militia 60 natives 6 field guns 34 warships 2,000 militia Casualties 30 dead 50 wounded Unknown The Battle of Quebec was fought in October, 1690 between English and French forces. ...

Québec was finally captured during the French and Indian War, with the French retreating to Montréal. The British had more cannon installed in the fortifications, and built more embrasures into the walls to maximise their effectiveness against siege batteries. When the French returned in 1760, the defenders had to leave all but two of their field guns in the retreat into the city. However, British cannon proved effective, as a heavy cannonade on the French batteries allowed them to hold out long enough for reinforcements.^[5] By the time of the American Revolutionary War, the following cannon would have been in use by the British: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham, fought September 13, 1759, was a decisive battle during the French and Indian War, the U.S. name for the North American phase of the Seven Years War. ... Combatants France First Nations allies: * Algonquin * Huron * Ojibwa * Ottawa * Shawnee Great Britain Iroquois Confederacy Strength 3,900 regulars 7,900 militia 2,200 natives (1759) 50,000 regulars and militia (1759) The French and Indian War was the nine-year North American chapter of the Seven Years War. ... Combatants France Britain Commanders François Gaston de Lévis James Murray Strength 2,600 regulars 2,400 militia[1] 3,800 regulars 20 guns Casualties 833 dead or wounded 1,124 dead or wounded The Battle of Sainte-Foy, sometimes called the Battle of Quebec (1760), was fought on... Combatants American Revolutionaries, France, Dutch Republic, Spain, American Indians Kingdom of Great Britain, German mercenaries, Loyalists, American Indians Commanders George Washington, Comte de Rochambeau, Nathanael Greene, Bernardo de Gálvez Sir William Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Cornwallis (more commanders) The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the...

16th-century bronze culverins and demi-cannon.

Fire between the British frigate Amélia and the French Aréthuse.

A culverin is a cannon that fires an 18-pound solid round shot. ... This article needs copyediting (checking for proper English spelling, grammar, usage, etc. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1100x792, 263 KB) Combat de la frégate française lAréthuse contre la frégate anglaise lAmélia sur la côte de Guinée, le 7 février 1813 Fight of the French frigate lAréthuse... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1100x792, 263 KB) Combat de la frégate française lAréthuse contre la frégate anglaise lAmélia sur la côte de Guinée, le 7 février 1813 Fight of the French frigate lAréthuse... French frigate Poursuivante firing raking fire in enfilade on a British ship of line French frigate Aréthuse and English frigate Amélia exchanging defilade fire on the shores of Guinea, the 7th of February 1813 Enfilade and defilade are military tactical concepts used to describe a fighting units... For the bird, see Frigatebird. ... The pound (abbreviations: lb or, sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass in a number of different systems, including various systems of units of mass that formed part of English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... A foot (plural: feet or foot;[1] symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, ′ – a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... A pace (or double-pace) is a measure of distance used in Ancient Rome. ... This article needs copyediting (checking for proper English spelling, grammar, usage, etc. ... A culverin is a cannon that fires an 18-pound solid round shot. ... Demi-culverin is a seventeenth century term for a cannon which fired a nine solid pound shot (a culverin fired an eighteen pound shot); also known as a saker. ... Demi-culverin is a seventeenth century term for a cannon which fired a nine solid pound shot (a culverin fired an eighteen pound shot); also known as a saker. ... A falconet was a medieval cannon of fairly light construction which fired 1-pound solid round shot projectiles. ...

Operation

Colonial artillery crew.

The 1771 Encyclopædia Britannica describes the operation of 18th-century British cannon. Each cannon would be manned by two gunners, six soldiers, and four officers of artillery. The right gunner was to prime the piece and load it with powder, while the left gunner would fetch the powder from the magazine and keep ready to fire the cannon at the officer's command. Three soldiers stood on each side of the cannon, to ram and sponge the cannon, and hold the lantern and ladle. The second soldier on the left was charged with providing 50 bullets.^[6] artillery gun crew From http://www. ... artillery gun crew From http://www. ... 1771 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Encyclopædia Britannica is a general encyclopedia published by Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. ...

Prior to loading, the cannon would be well cleaned with a sponge to remove all sparks, filth, and dirt. The powder was added, followed by a wad of paper or hay, and the ball was thrown in. After ramming the cannon would be aimed with the elevation set using a quadrant and a plummet. At 45 degrees the ball had the utmost range – about ten times the gun's level range. Any angle above the horizontal line was called random-shot. The officer of artillery had to ensure the cannon was diligently served. Water was available to dip the sponges in and cool the pieces every ten or twelve rounds.^[6]

18th-century cannon bullets

In the late 1770s it was said that a 24-pounder could fire 90 to 100 shots a day in summer, or 60 to 75 in winter. A 16 or 12 pounder would fire a little more, because they were easier served. The Encyclopædia Britannica mentions "some occasions where 200 shots have been fired from these pieces in the space of nine hours, and 138 in the space of five."^[6] Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (4389x759, 1112 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Cannon ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (4389x759, 1112 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Cannon ...

See also

• Cannon
• Royal Artillery

A small cannon on a carriage, Bucharest. ... RGA redirects here. ...

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Nicolle, Crécy 1346: Triumph of the longbow
2. ^ Wilkinson, Castles (Pocket Guides).
3. ^ Encyclopedia Brittanica
4. ^ Mary Rose Official Site
5. ^ ^{a b} Chartrand, French Fortresses in North America 1535–1763: Québec, Montréal, Louisbourg and New Orleans (Fortress 27)
6. ^ ^{a b c d} "Cannon, Gunnery", Britannica. 

References

• Encyclopedia Britannica (1771). 
• René Chartrand, French Fortresses in North America 1535–1763: Québec, Montréal, Louisbourg and New Orleans (Fortress 27); Osprey Publishing, March 20 2005. ISBN 9781841767147
• David Nicolle, Crécy 1346: Triumph of the longbow, Osprey Publishing Paperback; June 25 2000; ISBN: 9781855329669
• Philip Wilkinson, Castles (Pocket Guides). Publisher: DK CHILDREN; Pocket edition (September 29, 1997). ISBN 0789420473. ISBN 978-0789420473