Galleries

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.

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.

Illustration based on plans of HMS Alfred (leadship of the class of the same name) from 1778

Illustration based on plans of Portland-Class HMS Renown

Illustration based on plans of Roebuck-Class HMS Dolphin

Illustration based on plan of HMS Seahorse from 1770 rebuild

Full-rigged ships were also classified as sloops if they carried less than 20 guns. However, they were given the prefix ‘ship’ to refer to their rigging. This drawing is based on the plan of HM Sloop “Ceres” from 1777.

With the increasing demand for ships for naval warfare, more and more small and inexpensive vessels were deployed. This led to the Royal Navy also using armed brigs, primarily for light escort duties.

Schooners were used when fast and manoeuvrable vessels were required. With their large gaff sails, they also performed well when sailing close to the wind. The Halifax shown here is barely larger than an ocean-going cutter. Depending on their size, schooners were used for coastal security, hunting pirates or as privateers.

The armed cutter – the smallest non rated warship. It had quite powerful armament for its size and, with square rigging, a large sail area. This made it ideal for light patrol and courier duties.

In contrast to the Royal Navy, the French Navy began classifying ships by their specific purpose in the 18th century. Here too, the ships of the line formed the pinnacle of the fleet. The primary ranks used by the British served in France only for detailed classification within the class. The French distinguished between ships of the line of the first to third ranks.