Built here at Chatham Dockyard and launched on 7th May 1765, a first rate of over 100 guns, she was the largest ship ever ordered by the Navy. Her excellent sailing qualities made her a very popular choice for use by admirals as their flagship. The latter years of the 18th century were times of threat and tension for Britain, and these culminated in the sea battle that was to become Admiral Nelson’s, and his flagship HMS Victory’s, finest hour.
