Bellona (ship)

Bellona was a name frequently used for ships, particularly warships, in several navies, most notably the Royal Navy during the age of sail. The name derives from Bellona, the Roman goddess of war. Ships bearing the name were generally well-regarded and often saw significant action.

Notable ships named Bellona include:

• HMS Bellona (1760): A 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, famous for being the prototype of the Bellona-class, which became one of the most successful and numerous classes of British two-deckers. She served extensively during the Seven Years' War, the American Revolutionary War, and the French Revolutionary Wars.

• Bellona-class: A class of 74-gun third-rate ships of the line designed by Sir Thomas Slade for the Royal Navy. They were known for their speed, maneuverability, and fighting capabilities. The design was influential and served as a model for many subsequent British warships.

• Other ships named Bellona existed in various navies and time periods, though they are generally less well-known than the HMS Bellona (1760). These included smaller warships and merchant vessels. The recurrence of the name highlights its association with strength, martial prowess, and naval power.

The name Bellona, therefore, represents not just an individual vessel, but also a significant class of warships and a recurring theme of naval strength across different eras and navies. Further research on "Bellona" will likely require specifying the particular navy and time period to identify the specific ship in question.