English ship Fairfax (1653)

The Fairfax (at the forefront), with Elizabeth astern of her, and Assurance or Tiger to her left, a painting attributed to Isaac Sailmaker
History
Commonwealth Navy EnsignEngland
NameFairfax
NamesakeThomas Fairfax
BuilderJohn Taylor, Chatham
Laid downMarch 1653
LaunchedSeptember 1653
CommissionedSeptember 1653
In service1653–1660
Stricken1660
Royal Navy EnsignEngland
NameHMS Fairfax
Acquired1660
Commissioned1660
In service1660–1674
Honours and
awards
FateBroken up, 1674.
General characteristics [1]
Class and typeSpeaker-class frigate
Tons burthen7893594 (bm)
Length118 ft (36.0 m) (keel)
Beam34 ft 9 in (10.6 m)
Depth of hold14 ft 4 in (4.4 m)
PropulsionSails
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Armament
  • 52 guns from 1660
  • 66 guns from 1666
  • 72 guns from 1672

Fairfax was a third rate frigate of the navy of the Commonwealth of England from 1653 to 1660. With the restoration of the English monarchy in 1660 she was recommissioned as HMS Fairfax and served with the Royal Navy until 1674.

  1. ^ Lavery, Ships of the Line vol.1, p159.