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Launch of H.M. Gun-Boat "The Hardy", at Bristol, 1856. 'This fine vessel was launched from the Albion Dockyard of Messrs Charles Hill and Sons...As the dockyard clock commenced striking four, a gun fired. Miss Stewart named the Hardy, the [blocks] were knocked away, the band struck up "God Save the Queen," and the beautiful vessel glided majestically into the water, amid the shouts of the vast multitude...The following are the dimensions of the vessel: Length, 106 feet; breadth, 22 feet; depth, 8 feet; tonnage, 233; draught of water 6 ft. 6 in. Her engines are by Messrs. Maudslay, Sons, and Field, of London; and of the collective power of sixty horses. She is to carry two 68 pounders [guns], and two brass 24s'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.