How much larger was Santisima Trinidad's battery than that of an ordinary British 74?
Short answerHer 140 guns made her much larger numerically, but gun count alone overstated the difference because many pieces were lighter weapons.
NotesSantisima Trinidad's battery included 36-, 24-, 12-, and 8-pounder weapons, so her 140 guns were not all equivalent. The comparison uses HMS Dragon, a British 74 with 32-pounders on the lower deck, 18-pounders above, and lighter 9-pounders. On that rough comparison, the Spanish ship had enough useful heavy ordnance to arm a strong third rate and perhaps a frigate, with lighter guns left over. The number of guns alone cannot show whether their weights suit the ships they would equip.