Fourth rate
Jun 25, 2011 Fourth
Fourth rate
The Royal Navy fourth-rate was, during the 18th century, a ship of the line mounting 50-60 guns. Though used largely during the Seven Years’ War, by the time of the American Revolution and especially the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the fourth rate was considered too weak to stand in the line of battle. The few that remained were relegated to convoy escort, or as flagships on far-flung stations; a number were also converted to troopships, armed only “en flûte”.
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