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Demi-cannon
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<p>The demi-cannon was a medium-sized <a href="/facts/Cannon/IH7VkIpm">cannon</a>, similar to but slightly larger than a <a href="/facts/Culverin/hpMmL1mV">culverin</a> and smaller than a regular 42 pounds (19 kg) cannon, developed in the early 17th century. 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 <a href="/facts/Man-of-war/XIFD0426">warships</a> were usually equipped with demi-cannons. </p><p>Ships featuring demi-cannons included <a href="/facts/English_ship_Sovereign_of_the_Seas/pFrjkbmJ"><i>Sovereign of the Seas</i></a>, <a href="/facts/English_ship_Resolution_(1650)/pcdpRjwd"><i>Resolution</i></a> and <a href="/facts/English_ship_James_(1634)/1uMPW8oC"><i>James</i></a>, which fought in the <a href="/facts/Anglo-Dutch_Wars/u8uFq5X7">Anglo-Dutch naval wars</a>. Demi-cannons were also used on <a href="/facts/HMS_Stirling_Castle_(1679)/Qc2XaQHn">HMS <i>Stirling Castle</i></a>, the wreck of which was discovered in the <a href="/facts/Goodwin_Sands/gsvkbglQ">Goodwin Sands</a>. Several examples of this weapon were recovered from the site. </p><p>The barrels of demi-cannon were typically 11 feet (3.4 m) long, had a <a href="/facts/Caliber/q4hhaID2">calibre</a> of 6 inches (150 mm) and could weigh up to 5,600 pounds (2,500 kg). It required 18 pounds (8.2 kg) of <a href="/facts/Black_powder/AEcB6HCR">black powder</a> to fire a 32 pounds (15 kg) <a href="/facts/List_of_cannon_projectiles/INcMsoGk">round shot</a>. The demi-cannon had an effective range of 1,600 feet (490 m). </p><p>These 32-pounders were used during the 18th century on <a href="/facts/First-rate/bcPmsbYe">first-rate</a> <a href="/facts/Ships_of_the_line/Mbx7b7tR">ships of the line</a> 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 <a href="/facts/Broadside_(naval)/QkWDKNel">broadside</a> was enough to cripple the enemy vessel. </p>