Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology, is a fitting namesake for ships remembered for loyal Royal Navy service. In this sympathetic reading of the story, she probably ran the kingdom better than Odysseus. The first HMS Penelope was reportedly captured by Spanish prisoners in 1780, while later ships of the name earned a reputation as dependable smaller warships. Earlier Penelopes included 24-, 32-, 36-, and 46-gun fifth rates, and the 1829 ship later became a paddle frigate. The 1935 Arethusa-class light cruiser continued the name and was probably its most substantial bearer in terms of naval status.
Chapter · 0:11-1:54
A Royal Navy name with a long lineage
The 1935 cruiser continued a Royal Navy name previously carried by sailing-war fifth rates and a ship later converted to a paddle frigate.