Lion (warship)

Lion may refer to several warships throughout history, primarily within the Royal Navy. The name frequently denotes vessels embodying strength and regal power.

Royal Navy:

• Lion (1513): A carrack, one of the ships involved in the English invasion of France in 1513. Details of its size and armament are limited, but it represented one of England's larger warships of the period.

• Lion (1665): A 50-gun fourth-rate ship of the line. Served in various battles of the Anglo-Dutch Wars. Records indicate periods of active service and refitting before eventual disposal.

• Lion (1709): A 60-gun fourth-rate ship of the line. Saw action in the early 18th century, participating in naval campaigns and patrols.

• Lion (1753): A 64-gun third-rate ship of the line. A larger and more powerful vessel compared to earlier Lions, reflecting advancements in naval technology. Participated in the Seven Years' War.

• Lion (1777): A 64-gun third-rate ship of the line, active during the American Revolutionary War. Involved in various naval engagements and convoy duties.

• Lion (1847): An 80-gun second-rate ship of the line. One of the last sailing warships built for the Royal Navy before the widespread adoption of steam power.

• Lion (1910): A Lion-class battlecruiser. A significant class of battlecruisers built prior to World War I, representing a leap in speed and firepower. Involved in major naval engagements of the war, including the Battle of Jutland. Her sisters were Princess Royal and Queen Mary.

• Lion (1944): The name originally intended for a Lion-class battleship. Construction was suspended and ultimately cancelled due to the changing strategic environment during World War II. The Lion class battleships were designed but never completed.

The name Lion has been used consistently by the Royal Navy, reflecting a tradition of naming warships after powerful and symbolic figures or animals. Each ship named Lion has contributed to the navy's history in its respective era.