Definition
HMS Grafton (1709) was a 70‑gun third‑rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in August 1709 and broken up in 1744 after a service life that included participation in the Battle of Cape Passaro.
Overview
The vessel was constructed by the shipbuilders Swallow and Fowler at Limehouse, London, to the dimensions prescribed by the 1706 Establishment for 70‑gun ships. She entered service under Captain George Forbes and later saw command by officers such as Nicholas Haddock. Grafton operated in the Mediterranean, notably taking part in the 1718 Battle of Cape Passaro against Spanish forces. By 1738 she was stationed at the Nore under Richard Lestock. In September 1722 the Admiralty ordered her to be taken apart and rebuilt at Woolwich to the newer 1719 Establishment; the rebuilt ship was relaunched on 25 November 1725. After remaining in service for two more decades, she was broken up in 1744.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Grafton” follows the Royal Navy tradition of naming ships after British towns, counties, or peerage titles. It is likely derived from the town of Grafton in England or the title Earl of Grafton, a subsidiary title of the Duke of Grafton, though the exact inspiration for this particular vessel is not explicitly documented.
Characteristics
Class & Type
- 1706 Establishment 70‑gun third‑rate ship of the line (as built)
- Rebuilt to the 1719 Establishment, retaining 70 guns
Dimensions (as built)
- Gundeck length: 150 ft (45.7 m)
- Beam: 41 ft (12.5 m)
- Depth of hold: 17 ft 4 in (5.3 m)
- Burthen: 1,095 tons (bm)
Dimensions (post‑rebuilt, 1725)
- Gundeck length: 151 ft (46.0 m)
- Beam: 41 ft 6 in (12.6 m)
- Burthen: 1,133 tons (bm)
Armament (both configurations)
- Lower gundeck: 26 × 24‑pounder guns
- Upper gundeck: 26 × 12‑pounder guns
- Quarterdeck: 14 × 6‑pounder guns
- Forecastle: 4 × 6‑pounder guns
Propulsion
- Full‑rigged sailing ship, propelled by a conventional square‑rigged sail plan.
Crew
- Complement of approximately 440 officers and men (as recorded in early 18th‑century Navy lists).
Related Topics
- Ship of the line – the dominant type of capital warship in the age of sail.
- Third‑rate ships – vessels mounting 64–80 guns, forming the backbone of the Royal Navy’s battle fleet.
- 1706 Establishment and 1719 Establishment – sets of dimensional standards issued by the Admiralty for building warships.
- Battle of Cape Passaro (1718) – a naval engagement in which HMS Grafton took part.
- Other ships named HMS Grafton – a series of Royal Navy vessels bearing the same name, spanning the 17th to 20th centuries.
All information is drawn from contemporary naval records and reputable secondary sources such as the “Ships of the Royal Navy” (Colledge & Warlow) and the “Ship of the Line – Volume 1” (Lavery).