Q&A · 3:28:48-3:29:31

HMS Thunderer as a favourite 74-gun ship

The 1783 HMS Thunderer, a Trafalgar veteran later altered to an 84-gun ship, is selected as a favourite 74.

Age Of Sail Battle Of Trafalgar HMS Thunderer Ships of the Line

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Question

What is your favourite 74-gun ship of the line?

Short answer

HMS Thunderer of 1783, a Trafalgar veteran later altered to 84 guns.

Notes

The 1783 HMS Thunderer is the selected example of a 74-gun ship of the line. The ship fought at Trafalgar and was later altered and re-rated as an 84-gun vessel. Its changing armament and long career illustrate how sail-era capital ships evolved after entering service.