HMS Foudroyant (1798)

HMS Foudroyant was an 80-gun third rate of the Royal Navy, one of only two British-built 80-gun ships of the period (the other was HMS Caesar). Foudroyant was built in the dockyard at Plymouth Dock (a.k.a. Devonport) and launched on 31 March 1798. Foudroyant served Nelson as his flagship from 6 June 1799 until the end of June 1800.

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

Capture of the Guillaume Tell 31 March 1800, by Nicholas Pocock. Foudroyant is seen centre right
History
Great Britain
NameHMS Foudroyant
Ordered17 January 1788
BuilderPlymouth Dock
Laid downMay 1789
Launched31 March 1798
Honours and
awards
  • Naval General Service Medal with clasps:
  • "12th October 1798"
  • "Egypt"
FateSold 1890. Foundered on Blackpool Sands, 16 June 1897.
General characteristics
Class and type80-gun third rate
Tons burthen2054+65⁄94 (bm)
Length184 ft 8+1⁄2 in (56.299 m)(gundeck)
Beam50 ft 6 in (15.39 m)
Draught23 ft (7.0 m)
Depth of hold22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
PropulsionSails
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Complement650 officers and men
Armament
  • 80 guns:
  • Gundeck: 30 × 32-pounder guns
  • Upper gundeck: 32 × 24-pounder guns
  • QD: 14 × 12-pounder guns
  • Fc: 4 × 12-pounder guns; 2 × 32-pounder carronades
  • Poop deck: 6 × 18-pounder carronades

Foudroyant had a long and successful career, and although she was not involved in any major fleet action, she did provide invaluable service to numerous admirals throughout her 17 years on active service. In her last years she became a training vessel for boys.

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