The rates of the Royal Navy
I am currently preparing the long-overdue relaunch of the articles on the Rates of Royal Navy ships. An important step in this process is creating suitable illustrations. To shorten the waiting time for you (and me), here are the pictures in advance. I will post them as soon as they are ready.
100 (102) Gun 1st Rate
Side view based on the design of the famous Victory. The typical British ship of the line with 100 guns. Similar to the second rank, the mounting options for guns were also expanded here. However, the number remained at around 100 guns, as the guns on the forecastle were replaced by heavy carronades. These did not count.
90 (98) Gun 2nd Rate
Side view based on plans for HMS Duke (leadship of the class of the same name) from 1777. Special feature: According to an article in the English Wikipedia, the Duke already had 98 guns. However, the plan shown here does not include the gun ports for the additional 8 guns on the quarterdeck.
74 Gun 3rd Rate
Illustration based on plans of HMS Alfred (leadship of the class of the same name) from 1778
50 Gun 4th Rate
Illustration based on plans of Portland-Class HMS Renown
44 Gun 5th Rate
Illustration based on plans of Roebuck-Class HMS Dolphin
24 Gun 6th Rate
Illustration based on plan of HMS Seahorse from 1770 rebuild
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