[2] On 14 April 1634, shortly after the Unicorn was launched, her first captain, Sir John Penington, was knighted on her deck by King Charles I.

In the Admiralty's reply, dated 14 May, to his letter of the 8th, Sir John was instructed to bring the Unicorn into Gillingham, transfer all of his men and supplies into the Charles, which was promised to be ready by the 24th.

[1] During the Anglo-Dutch War, Unicorn, commanded by Peter Andrews, escorted English convoys and also saw action against the Turks.

It is likely his son William, and grandson Richard, served alongside him as it was common practise to enlist young boys as midshipmen or "apprentice officers."

[9] The fictional Unicorn was captured by pirates and blown up by her captain, presumably taking her treasure to the bottom of the sea.