Second Rate

Description

Open Edition Reproduction

A splendid Second Rate British warship under full sail, out of Gibraltar in the background.

A 2000-ton Second Rate ship of the line carried a crew of 750 men and over 90 major guns plus other lesser carronades, swivels, or other weaponry. Smaller only than the great first rates, the second rates were more widely used, as the Firsts were largely held back for major actions.

The Seconds were therefore commonly the flagship of squadrons in everyday expeditions, particularly when under an admiral. Being a three-decker, the (lower) gundeck carried 32 pounder weapons, with 18 pounders on the mid-deck, then 12 pounders on the upper deck (First rates would carry 24 and 18 pounders on the upper decks respectively)