HMS Beagle 93cm- Charles Darwin’s voyage

The HMS Beagle played a pivotal role in Australian maritime history, contributing to the mapping of Australia’s northern and western coastlines during its third voyage (1837–1843). Under Captain John Clements Wickham, the Beagle surveyed remote regions, improving navigation and aiding British expansion. One of its most lasting legacies was the naming of Port Darwin (now the city of Darwin, NT) in 1839, honoring Charles Darwin, whose earlier voyage aboard the ship helped shape his theory of evolution.

Now, you can celebrate this historic vessel with our handcrafted HMS Beagle model ship. Expertly crafted over 14 weeks, this exquisite replica showcases intricate details, from the finely carved wooden hull to the delicate rigging. A perfect display piece for collectors, history lovers, and maritime enthusiasts, capturing the spirit of 19th-century exploration.

Key Features of the 93cm HMS Beagle Model Ship:

• A realistic replica of the HMS Beagle, fully assembled and ready for display—not a kit.
• Dimensions: 93cm L x 27cm W x 74cm H, 1:30 scale.
• Built to scale, using real plans and imagery of the ship for the best finish.
• Made hand-built with everything created using individual model wooden planks.
• High-quality wood is used to help make sure that it can handle changes in temperature.
• All of the major features, like cannons and anchors, are made directly using sculpted metals.
• Additional intricate details include lattice grates, rudder chains, lifeboats, a steering wheel, and more.
• Handmade sails included, with a series of fine linen prepared for the best finish.
• A HMS Beagle model ship that is designed with a wooden base and nameplate included.
• A fact sheet is included for making it easy to show others all about the HMS Beagle.

About the HMS Beagle

The HMS Beagle is one of the most historically significant ships of the 19th century, best known for its role in Charles Darwin’s voyage (1831–1836), which contributed to the theory of evolution by natural selection. However, beyond its scientific legacy, the Beagle also played a crucial role in Australian maritime history, undertaking detailed surveys of the country’s northern and western coastlines during its third voyage (1837–1843). These surveys greatly improved navigation and contributed to Britain’s expansion in the region.

During Darwin’s voyage in 1836, the HMS Beagle made several stops in Australia, including Sydney, Hobart, and King George Sound. Darwin was struck by the unique wildlife, such as kangaroos and platypuses, which he believed provided evidence of species adapting to their environments over time. He also explored the Blue Mountains, where he studied geological formations and fossilized shells, further shaping his understanding of Earth’s history. Additionally, his interactions with Aboriginal Australians and observations of British convict settlements in Tasmania provided insights into human societies and the impacts of colonization.

Following Darwin’s departure, the Beagle returned to Australian waters in 1837 under Captain John Clements Wickham, conducting coastal surveys of northern and western Australia. One of the ship’s most lasting contributions was the naming of Port Darwin (now the city of Darwin, Northern Territory) in 1839, in honor of Charles Darwin. Although Darwin himself never visited the area, the name remains as a testament to his influence. The Beagle’s charts of Shark Bay, the Victoria River, and the Buccaneer Archipelago improved navigation and trade routes, aiding both British settlers and future explorers.

The HMS Beagle was decommissioned in 1845, but its contributions to science, geography, and Australian history endure. Its meticulous mapping efforts helped shape British navigation in the region, and its connection to Darwin solidified its place in history. Today, the legacy of the Beagle lives on in the city of Darwin, scientific research, and maritime exploration, making it one of the most famous survey ships of its time.