Royal Escape, Ex SURPRISE a coasting brig, a collier smack, ketch rigged, built 1640 at Shoreham, keel 30'6", beam 14’3". draught 7’ Tonnage 34; crew 4 and a boy.
Charles II, after the disastrous battle of Worcester, came to Shoreham and in the very early morning of 15 October 1651 he quietly boarded the SURPRISE and set course for Poole Harbour, later altering course for France and anchoring two miles off shore at Fecamp, France.
The SURPRISE was commanded by Captain Nicholas Tattersall of Brighton, Sussex.
After his restoration in 1660 the King rewarded the friends who had helped him. Tattersall got a command in the Royal Navy and the King bought SURPRISE from him and endered her in the Royal Navy, had her refitted at Deptford, and renamed her ROYAL ESCAPE. He armed her with 4 very small guns and increased her crew appropriately.
For over 10 years the ROYAL ESCAPE was used as one of the King's personal vessels. In 1673 she was handed over to the Royal Navy for general service and was rebuilt as a transport.
Log Book December 1982.
Zil Elwannyen Sesel SG23