Figurehead of HMS “Resistance”

This strong, forward facing God-like carving sat on the bow of HMS “Resistance”. The vessel, to which this figurehead was fitted was built in 1861 by Westwood and Baillie of London, as a large ironclad frigate.

This class of ship followed the first such vessels in the Royal Navy: HMS “Warrior” and HMS “Black Prince”, the latter being built by Robert Napier at Govan.

In her final years of service with the Royal Navy she became a target ship, with the RN using torpedoes and gunfire to test armour developments.