| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Southampton-class frigate |
| Built | 1756–1759 |
| In commission | 1757–1812 |
| Completed | 4 |
| Lost | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 652 51/94 bm (as designed) |
| Length | 124 ft 4 in (38 m) |
| Beam | 34 ft 8 in (11 m) |
| Depth of hold | 12 ft (4 m) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Complement | 210 |
| Armament |
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The Southampton-class frigates were 32-gun sailing frigates of the fifth rate produced for the Royal Navy. They were designed in 1756 by Sir Thomas Slade, and were the first 'true' fifth-rate frigates produced to the new single-deck concept (that is, without any gunports on the lower deck). They were, however, designed with sweep ports (for rowing) along the lower deck.
Unlike the contemporary sixth-rate frigates of 28 guns, which were derived from French designs by Slade, the Southampton class were fully British-designed. Unlike the French models, these ships had considerably more height on the lower deck, and were originally intended to work their cables here.
A total of four ships were built in oak during the Seven Years' War, all ordered from private shipyards. The initial design was approved on 12 March 1756, and provided for a ship of 648 37/94 tons burthen, and the contract with Robert Inwood to build the prototype reflected this. On 25 May the design was modified by Slade to lengthen the ship on the lower deck by 3 inches, and along the keel by 10½ inches, thus raising the tonnage to 652 51/94 burthen; on the same date, the name Southampton was approved for the prototype, and two further ships were ordered to be built to this design, with a fourth vessel being ordered one week later.