HISTORY
Jylland is the
world's last screw-propelled steam frigate, launched on November
20, 1860. During the Second War of Schleswig in 1864, it
participated in the naval action against the Austrian-Prussian
fleet in the Battle of Heligoland on 9 May 1864. Jylland along
with the Niels Juel and Heimdall bested two Austrian frigates
and 3 small Prussian gun boats, but were unable to maintain the
blockade of the Prussian North Sea ports. Jylland sustained
considerable damage during the battle.
In the 1890s the ship was reduced to stationary use and barely
escaped scrapping in 1908. It was, however, decided to preserve
her and she was towed to Ebeltoft in 1960. The hulked frigate
further deteriorated until she was placed in dry dock in 1984.
Restoration proved to be a major task; over 60% of the timber
had to be replaced in addition to the rigging, armament, engines
and loose gear.
In Danish, the ship is known as simply Fregatten Jylland,
although several ships have used this name. The restoration
efforts were completed in 1994 and the ship is currently on
display in the town of Ebeltoft, Denmark. It is advertised as
one of the world's largest wooden ships. |