HMS Foudroyant (1798)

HMS Foudroyant was an 80-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in 1798 at Plymouth Dockyard. She was designed by Sir John Henslow, and was noted for her speed and sailing qualities.

Foudroyant's early career saw service in the Channel Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars. She participated in the blockade of Brest and other key French ports.

In 1799, under the command of Captain Sir Thomas Byam Martin, Foudroyant played a decisive role in the capture of the French ship of the line Généreux off Malta. Généreux had been one of the few French warships to escape the Battle of the Nile. This action earned Martin and the ship considerable acclaim and prize money.

Foudroyant also participated in the blockade of Malta, contributing to the eventual surrender of the French garrison there in 1800.

Throughout the rest of the Napoleonic Wars, Foudroyant continued to serve actively, participating in various fleet actions and blockades.

After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Foudroyant was converted to a powder hulk in 1815. She served in this role for several years.

In 1897, a new Foudroyant was launched, named in honour of the earlier vessel. In order to preserve the name and tradition, the original Foudroyant was renamed Impregnable at this time.

Impregnable (formerly Foudroyant) was eventually sold for breaking in 1897, marking the end of her long and distinguished career. She is remembered as one of the most successful and admired ships of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic era, particularly for her role in the capture of Généreux.