Essex-class ship of the line

Essex (1760), Africa (1761)
Class overview
NameEssex class
Operators Royal Navy
Succeeded bySt Albans class
In service28 August 1760–1799
Completed2
General characteristics
TypeShip of the line
Length
  • 158 ft (48 m) (gundeck)
  • 129 ft 9 in (39.55 m) (keel)
Beam44 ft 2 in (13.46 m)
PropulsionSails
Armament
  • 64 guns:
  • Gundeck: 26 × 24-pounders
  • Upper gundeck: 26 × 18-pounders
  • Quarterdeck: 10 × 4-pounders
  • Forecastle: 2 × 9-pounders

The Essex-class ships of the line were a class of two 64-gun third rates, designed for the Royal Navy by Sir Thomas Slade.

Ships

Builder: Wells and Stanton, Rotherhithe
Ordered: 31 January 1759
Launched: 28 August 1760
Fate: Sold out of the service, 1799
Builder: Perry, Blackwall Yard
Ordered: 31 January 1759
Launched: 1 August 1761
Fate: Sold out of the service, 1774

References

  • Lavery, Brian (2003) The Ship of the Line - Volume 1: The development of the battlefleet 1650-1850. Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-252-8.