Canada-class ship of the line explained

The Canada-class ships of the line were a series of four 74-gun third rates designed for the Royal Navy by William Bateley. The name ship of the class was launched in 1765.

Design

During this period in British naval architecture, the 74-gun third rates were divided into two distinct groupings: the 'large' and 'common' classes. The Canada-class ships belonged to the latter grouping, carrying 18-pounder guns on their upper gun decks, as opposed to the 24-pounders of the large class.

Service

, made famous for Nelson's actions at the Battle of Cape St Vincent, belonged to this class of ships.

Ships

Builder: Woolwich Dockyard

Ordered: 1 December 1759

Launched: 17 September 1765

Fate: Broken up, 1834

Builder: Adams & Barnard, Deptford

Ordered: 23 August 1781

Launched: 11 December 1785

Fate: Broken up, 1816

Builder: Barnard, Deptford

Ordered: 2 October 1782

Launched: 1 June 1787

Fate: Broken up, 1814

Builder: Batson, Limehouse

Ordered: 14 November 1782

Launched: 26 January 1787

Fate: Burned and broken up, 1813

References