French ship Soleil-Royal (1749)

The Soleil-Royal was a ship in the French Navy, the third ship of that name. She was the first 80-gun two-decker to use the 24-pounder long gun on her second battery, giving her considerable firepower for the time and allowing her to challenge three-deckers. Her name Soleil-Royal, honouring the French crown and usually reserved for the largest units of the Navy, testifies to the change of focus from large three-deckers to strong two-deckers.[1]

The Soleil Royal (right) battling the Royal George during the battle of Quiberon Bay.
Nicholas Pocock, 1812. National Maritime Museum
History
French Navy EnsignKingdom of France
Namesake"Royal Sun"
BuilderBrest
Laid downMarch 1748
Launched30 June 1749
CommissionedApril 1750
HomeportBrest
FateScuttled on 21 November 1759
General characteristics
Displacement3800 tonnes
Length59.2 m (194 ft)
Beam15.6 m (51 ft)
Draught7.6 m (25 ft)
PropulsionSails
Complement1000 men, 14 officers
Armament

She was Brienne's flagship at the battle of Quiberon Bay, where she ran aground and was burnt to prevent her capture. Her cannons were recovered by the Royal Navy and transported to Plymouth for reuse in British vessels.[2]

Citations

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  1. ^ troisponts.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/les-vaisseaux-a-trois-ponts-francais-du-xviiie-siecle
  2. ^ "Country News". The Derby Mercury. S. Drewry. 21 December 1759. p. 4. Retrieved 5 March 2017.

References

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