HMS Astraea (1781)

HMS Astraea (or Astrea) was a 32-gun fifth rate Active-class frigate of the Royal Navy. Fabian at E. Cowes launched her in 1781, and she saw action in the American War of Independence as well as during the Napoleonic Wars. She is best known for her capture of the larger French frigate Gloire in a battle on 10 April 1795, while under the command of Captain Lord Henry Paulet. She was wrecked on 23 March 1808 off the coast of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Astraea.

HMS Astraea captures the Gloire, a print by Thomas Whitcombe
History
Great Britain
NameHMS Astraea
Ordered7 May 1779
BuilderRobert Fabian, East Cowes
Laid downSeptember 1779
Launched24 July 1781
CommissionedJuly 1781
Honours and
awards
  • Naval general Service Medal with clasps
  • "Astraea 10 April 1795"
  • "Egypt"
FateWrecked off Anegada, 23 March 1808
General characteristics
Class and typeActive-class frigate
TypeFifth Rate frigate
Tons burthen703 14⁄94 (bm)
Length
  • Gundeck: 126 ft (38.4 m)
  • Keel: 103 ft 7+3⁄8 in (31.6 m)
Beam35 ft 9 in (10.9 m)
Depth of hold12 ft (3.7 m)
PropulsionSails
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Complement250
Armament
  • Upper deck: 26 × 12-pounder guns
  • QD: 4 × 6-pounder guns
  • Fc: 2 × 6-pounder guns
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