HMS Calcutta was an 84-gun second-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, uniquely constructed in teak to a draught designed by Sir Robert Seppings, and launched on 14 March 1831 at Bombay. She was the only vessel built to her specific draught, reflecting a distinctive design. The ship featured two gundecks, equipped with smooth-bore, muzzle-loading guns, and carried a crew of approximately 720 men, including officers, petty officers, seamen, boys, and marines. Throughout her service, HMS Calcutta played several notable roles. In 1855, after a period in reserve, she was recommissioned for service during the Crimean War, sailing to the Baltic Sea. However, after two months, she was returned to Britain, considered outdated for modern naval combat. She also participated in the Second Opium War, serving as the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour under Captain William King-Hall. During this campaign, in 1858, she visited Nagasaki, making her the first ship-of-the-line to visit Japan, a significant milestone in maritime history. Following her active service, Calcutta was placed back into reserve at Devonport. In 1865, she was relocated to Portsmouth to serve as an Experimental Gunnery Ship, moored ahead of HMS Excellent. When HMS Excellent transitioned into a shore establishment in 1889, Calcutta was moved back to Devonport, where she was moored via a bridge to HMS Cambridge as part of the Devonport Gunnery School. Her maritime life concluded when she was sold for breaking up in 1908. Her figurehead, symbolizing her historical significance, was acquired by Admiral Lord Fisher, then First Sea Lord, as it was his first seagoing ship. In 2013, the figurehead was restored and transferred to the National Museum of the Royal Navy, preserving her legacy.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.