Identification & Site Information

  • Name: HMS Psyche
  • Type: Frigate
  • Construction Year: 1814
  • Built At: Chatham Royal Navy Shipyards, Great Britain
  • Dimensions:
    Length (between perpendiculars): 130 feet (approx. 39.6 meters)
    Beam: 36 feet 7 inches (approx. 11.15 meters)
    Depth of Hold: 10 feet 3 inches (approx. 3.12 meters)
    Draught: 9 feet 8 inches (approx. 2.95 meters)
  • Tonnage: 769​¹⁄₉₄ tons
  • Crew: 280 officers and sailors
  • Armament:
    28 x 24-pounder long guns on the lower Deck
    28 x 32-pounder carronades on the upper Deck

Vessel Type Description HMS Psyche was a pre-fabricated frigate designed specifically for use in the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Unlike traditional sea-going vessels, which were built for oceanic conditions, the Psyche was constructed using fir frames—a material deemed suitable for the calmer waters of the Great Lakes but not ideal for more strenuous sea conditions. As a frigate, Psyche was designed for speed and maneuverability, typically used for escort duties, patrolling, and engaging enemy ships. Its spar Deck and substantial armament of 56 guns made it a formidable force on the lakes.
History HMS Psyche has a unique history as one of four pre-fabricated vessels ordered by the Admiralty for deployment in the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. The frigate’s components were built in Great Britain and transported across the Atlantic to Montreal, arriving in June 1814. It was intended for assembly in Kingston, where it would be deployed as part of the Royal Navy’s efforts against American forces. The construction was expedited due to the ongoing war, with private contractor William Forbes transporting the disassembled parts up the Saint Lawrence River.
Psyche was the only frigate among the planned vessels that was fully assembled, largely due to miscommunications within the Admiralty, which led to the cancellation of other vessels. The frigate was completed in record time, with its Keel laid in October 1814 and launched by December 25, 1814.
Final Disposition After its completion, HMS Psyche joined the Lake Ontario squadron under Sir James Yeo. However, the end of the War of 1812 soon after its commissioning rendered the ship largely unnecessary. The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1816 severely limited naval armaments on the Great Lakes, reducing the fleet to just a single gunboat per nation. Psychewas subsequently placed in reserve on a slipway at Kingston for preservation.
In the 1830s, due to financial constraints and the deteriorating condition of the fleet, the decision was made to dismantle Psyche. The ship’s fate is somewhat unclear; some reports suggest that the vessel was sold off, while others indicate that it was scuttled in Deadman’s Bay or left to decay in Navy Bay. Recent underwater surveys have suggested that parts of Psyche might still be present, though these findings remain inconclusive.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically concerning HMS Psycheas the vessel is no longer in service and its wreck site remains uncertain.
Located By & Date The precise final resting place of HMS Psyche has not been definitively located. There are ongoing efforts and surveys by underwater archaeology groups like DeepQuest to identify the wrecks in Deadman’s Bay, some of which might include remnants of HMS Psyche.

Current Condition & Accessibility The remains of HMS Psyche are believed to be scattered in various locations around Kingston, Ontario, particularly in Navy Bay and Deadman’s Bay. These sites are largely inaccessible and protected, with any diving operations requiring permission from local authorities. The exact condition of the wreckage is unknown, but it is presumed to be in a state of significant decay after nearly two centuries underwater.

Resources & Links

Keywords HMS Psyche, frigate, Great Lakes, War of 1812, Kingston, Royal Navy, Chatham Shipyards, Deadman’s Bay, Sir James Yeo, Rush-Bagot Treaty
Analysis The story of HMS Psyche is emblematic of the strategic challenges faced by the British Royal Navy during the War of 1812. As the only fully assembled frigate among the planned pre-fabricated vessels, Psyche represents a remarkable feat of logistical planning and execution, despite the miscommunications that plagued the project. The decision to construct a frigate using fir frames, rather than the more durable oak, highlights the unique conditions and constraints of naval warfare on the Great Lakes. The ship’s eventual fate, whether as a dismantled hulk or a scuttled wreck, underscores the rapid changes in naval priorities following the war’s end and the limitations imposed by the Rush-Bagot Treaty. The continued uncertainty surrounding the exact location and condition of Psyche adds a layer of mystery to this historical narrative, offering potential avenues for further research and exploration by maritime archaeologists.