The Téméraire class illustrates the international importance of the third-rate formula. France planned 120 ships and completed 107, making the design a mass-produced backbone rather than a rare prestige project. Vessels from the programme served with French, Spanish, Dutch, and British forces. An earlier captured French 74 had also helped inspire British construction of comparable ships. Royal Navy captures were useful warships whose design and combat value justified returning them to service.
Notable Point · 30:30-32:16
The French Téméraire class and captured 74s
France's large Téméraire-class programme shows how a successful 74-gun design could serve several navies, including the Royal Navy after capture.