French frigate Armide (1804)

The Armide was a 40-gun Gloire-class frigate of the French Navy, launched in 1804. Her career was marked by both successes in commerce raiding and ultimately, capture by the British.

Armide participated in several notable actions. In 1806, under the command of Captain Jean-Jacques le Breton, she was involved in a significant engagement against British vessels. She successfully captured several merchant ships, disrupting British trade routes.

Her career came to an end on September 25, 1806, when she was captured by the British frigates HMS Centaur and HMS Mars off the coast of Spain. The engagement was a hard-fought one, and Armide sustained considerable damage before striking her colors.

Following her capture, Armide was taken into the Royal Navy as HMS Armide. She continued to serve with the British until she was broken up in 1815, following the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The Armide's story reflects the intense naval conflict between France and Britain during the early 19th century, highlighting both the risks and rewards associated with privateering and naval warfare.