Demi-cannon

{{Short description|Type of muzzle-loading cannon}}

File:HMS Sovereign of the Seas IMG 5662-white.jpg, whose armament included eight demi-cannons]]

{{Cannon}}

The demi-cannon was a medium-sized cannon, similar to but slightly larger than a culverin and smaller than a regular {{convert|42|lb}} cannon, developed in the early 17th century.{{sfn|Manucy|1949}} A full cannon fired a 42-pound shot, but these were discontinued in the 18th century as they were seen as too unwieldy. The lower tiers of 18th century English warships were usually equipped with demi-cannons.

Ships featuring demi-cannons included Sovereign of the Seas,{{cite web |title=Sovereign of the Seas 1638 |url=http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3899 |publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=14 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202185744/http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3899 |archive-date=2 February 2007 |url-status=dead}} Resolution{{sfn|Lavery|1983}} and James, which fought in the Anglo-Dutch naval wars. Demi-cannons were also used on HMS Stirling Castle, the wreck of which was discovered in the Goodwin Sands. Several examples of this weapon were recovered from the site.{{sfn|Colledge|Warlow|2006}}

The barrels of demi-cannon were typically {{convert|11|ft}} long, had a calibre of {{convert|6|in}} and could weigh up to {{convert|5600|lb}}. It required {{convert|18|lb}} of black powder to fire a {{convert|32|lb}} round shot. The demi-cannon had an effective range of {{convert|1600|ft}}.{{sfn|Manucy|1949}}

These 32-pounders were used during the 18th century on first-rate ships of the line which carried up to 100 guns. Though powerful, the naval demi-cannons were inaccurate, except at close range, which allowed warships to cause as much damage as possible. Sometimes a single broadside was enough to cripple the enemy vessel.Stephen Biesty (ill.) and Richard Platt (author). (1993). Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War. New York: Dorling Kindersley.