The English Boat: A Crimean War Relic in Kokkola

The English Boat, located in Kokkola's English Park (Englanninpuisto), is a rare and compelling historical artifact. It is a Royal Navy landing boat captured during the Skirmish of Halkokari on June 7, 1854, as part of the Åland War during the broader Crimean War. During this conflict, the British Navy targeted coastal towns in Ostrobothnia. Kokkola decided to defend themselves, and when Royal Marines from HMS Vulture and HMS Odin attempted to raid the town, they were met with unexpectedly fierce resistance from local defenders and Russian troops. The local forces, led by merchant Anders Donner, repelled the British landing, capturing one of their gunboats. This vessel is believed to be the only Royal Navy boat ever captured in battle that is currently on display. The captured gunboat remains in the English Park, bearing visible battle damage. Nine of the sixteen English soldiers who died in the skirmish are buried in the Maria graveyard in Kokkola. The British government continues to contribute a small sum for the upkeep of these graves. The town of Kokkola has declined multiple requests to return the boat to the United Kingdom. The English Park, where the boat is displayed, was established in 1895 on the former site of Kokkola's tar market. Besides the English Boat, the park also features a statue of doctor and poet Ernst Viktor Knape and a statue of King Gustav II Adolf, the founder of Kokkola.