HMS Bulldog (figurehead)

Figure head of a bulldog in leaping stance with union jack shield and collar engraved 'CAVE CANEM.'
© National Maritime Museum

About

This figure head is the last surviving piece of a British Navy ship which was set on fire by its Captain who preferred to burn it rather than let it be captured by the enemy.

In the 18th Century many ships were decorated with lion figure heads, by the 19th Century figure heads were becoming much more individual like this one. The Latin words ‘Cave Canem’ inscribed on the bulldog’s collar translate as ‘Beware of the Dog’.

The decoration and carving of vessels is not just a British tradition. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Vikings had the same idea. Ancient Egyptians would paint an eye, or mount a carved head in human or animal form, near the bow of a boat.  Historians think they were a guide or to help the ship ‘see’ its way safely through the water.

Things to think about:

  • Why do you think a Bulldog was chosen to go at the front of the ship?
  • Admired men and women, mystical creatures, beautiful maidens and animals were typical figureheads. Who or what would you choose as a figure head for your vessel?
  • Why not create your own?

Museum's description

The figurehead of HMS ‘Bulldog’. The words ‘CAVE CANEM’ (which means beware of the dog) are inscribed on the dog’s collar. It fought in the Baltic sea and the Atlantic in the 1850s and 60s. In 1865 the vessel was stranded on a reef while fighting. Though unable to escape and under fire, ‘Bulldog’ blew up a powder magazine in a town which was firing at her, and dispersed riflemen ashore before she began to run out of ammunition. The Captain then set her on fire rather than let her fall into enemy hands, his crew of 175 (three dead, ten wounded) were evacuated by a US Navy ship.

Teacher notes

The BBC have a great activity for making a Viking Longship Figurehead, this could easily be adapted for making a more modern, British figurehead. The figurehead of HMS ‘Bulldog’. The words ‘CAVE CANEM’ (which means beware of the dog) are inscribed on the dog’s collar. It fought in the Baltic sea and the Atlantic in the 1850s and 60s. In 1865 the vessel was stranded on a reef while fighting. Though unable to escape and under fire, ‘Bulldog’ blew up a powder magazine in a town which was firing at her, and dispersed riflemen ashore before she began to run out of ammunition. The Captain then set her on fire rather than let her fall into enemy hands, his crew of 175 (three dead, ten wounded) were evacuated by a US Navy ship.

Date

1845

Artist

Hellyer and Son

More details

Place: Chatham Dockyard

Medium: Pine, Lead Paint

 

From

National Maritime Museum - Royal Museums Greenwich