HMS Glatton (1795)

HMS Glatton was a 54-gun fourth-rate ship of the line in the Royal Navy, originally built as an East Indiaman named Glatton for the British East India Company (EIC). The Royal Navy purchased her in 1795 and converted her for naval service. Her most notable feature was her armament: instead of the typical mix of 24-pounder and 12-pounder guns for a ship of her size, Glatton was armed entirely with 68-pounder carronades on her lower gun deck and 42-pounder carronades on her upper gun deck, giving her a tremendous short-range broadside.

Her unusual armament made her a formidable opponent in close-quarters engagements, but the limited range and accuracy of carronades meant she was less effective at long range.

Glatton saw action in several notable engagements, including the Battle of Camperdown in 1797, where she played a key role in defeating the Dutch fleet. Captain Charles Stirling commanded her during this battle. She continued to serve throughout the Napoleonic Wars, participating in various blockades and operations.

In 1814, Glatton was converted to a storeship. She served in this capacity until she was broken up in 1830.