English ship Reserve (1650)

The Reserve was a 52-gun second-rate ship of the line in the English navy, launched in 1650 at Portsmouth Dockyard. She was built during the Commonwealth period under the direction of Peter Pett I, one of the most notable shipbuilders of the time.

The Reserve served throughout the Anglo-Dutch Wars. During the First Anglo-Dutch War, she participated in numerous engagements, including the Battle of the Kentish Knock in 1652, where she served as part of the English fleet commanded by General at Sea Robert Blake. She also saw action at the Battle of Portland in 1653.

During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, the Reserve fought at the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, a significant English victory. Later, she was present at the Four Days' Battle in 1666, a hard-fought and tactically inconclusive engagement, and the St. James's Day Battle later that year, another English victory.

The Reserve underwent several rebuilds and refits during her career, reflecting the evolving standards of naval architecture and armament. This maintenance was essential to keep her competitive in the face of advancing naval technology used by England's rivals.

The Reserve remained in service until she was rebuilt in 1692, effectively becoming a new ship, and renamed Reserve. This highlights the common practice of retaining ship names across different generations of vessels in naval tradition.