Q&A · 1:18:19-1:18:31

What guns belonged on an equal-sized warship's lower deck?

An equal-sized purpose-built warship would probably carry 18-pounders, and possibly 24-pounders, on the lower deck that an East Indiaman used for cargo.

Fourth Rates HMS Calcutta Merchant Ship Design Naval Gunnery

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Question

What would the lower deck of an equal-sized purpose-built warship have carried?

Short answer

Probably 18-pounder guns for the period, with 24-pounders possible in some designs.

Notes

An equal-sized warship would probably carry 18-pounders on its lower deck, with 24-pounders possible in some designs. An East Indiaman used that strongly built deck for cargo. Calcutta's conversion placed 18-pounders below the upper-deck guns and carronades. A similar hull could therefore carry a much heavier broadside after receiving a naval battery.