Breda 1692

Launched in 1692, Breda was an example of a standard 70 Gun Third Rate, a class that had formed the backbone of the Royal Navy since the 1660s, but by the 1690s 70 Gun ships had started to become secondary Third Rates, newer 80 Gun two deckers were becoming the premier Third Rate fielded by the Royal Navy, although 70s were still powerful and were no joke in the line of battle, 70s proved still very effective and led them to still be produced in large numbers until the 1750s when both 70 and 80 Gun ships were replaced by new 74 gun ships.

Breda herself weighed in at 1,094 Tons BM, Armed with 24-12-6-3 lbs Guns and Rated for 460 Men and Boys, with a sleek lean profilen Breda represented what a 70 gun ship meant in being a practical, durable and efficient ship. Commissioned in 1692, Breda served at the Battle of Barfleur when she was still fresh enough to smell her paint, next she served under Commodore George Mees, where she made some captures before the end of the War in 1697.

Recommissioned under Admiral John Benbow, she was sent with a force to the West Indies to counter a force there by French Admiral DuCasse, Benbow made every attempt to engage and destroy DuCasse's ships, but during his chase of the french, Benbows Captain's did not obey him, and left Benbow to attack alone with the help of only two of his 6 ships not including his own flagship Breda, against DuCasse's 5 ships and an armed galley, Benbow's Breda managed to catch the rear of the French formation placing herself in hot action and managing to capture the galley, before Benbow's leg was shattered by chain shot, still he refused to leave the quarterdeck, and continued to command his ship. Benbow was eventually forced to call off his chase due to lack of support from his Captain's whole called a counsel to quit the action.

Benbow sailed for Jamaica, where his Captain's were Courts-martialed for cowardice, Benbow however was regarded as a hero for his bravery, and was still well know and regarded in Admiral Nelson's time.

After her stint in the West Indies, Breda returned to England where she was repaired and returned to service, in 1710 under Captain Thomas Long, Breda with another ship, were sent by Admiral Sir John Norris to capture a French 50 gun ship, Breda quickly caught her and a sharp fiery action ensued, Captain Long was killed just as the second ship (Warspite 70 guns) came up and sat on the Frenchman's quarter.

Breda was Broken up in 1714 for Rebuild ending her 22 year career.