Bellona-class ship of the line

The bombardment of Morro Castle on Havana -
HMS Dragon, centre
Class overview
NameBellona
Operators Royal Navy
Preceded byValiant class
Succeeded byArrogant class
In service19 February 1760 – 1814
Completed5
Lost2
General characteristics
TypeShip of the line
Length
  • 168 ft (51 m) (gundeck)
  • 138 ft (42 m) (keel)
Beam46 ft 9 in (14.25 m)
PropulsionSails
Armament
  • 74 guns:
  • Gundeck: 28 × 32-pounders
  • Upper gundeck: 28 × 18-pounders
  • Quarterdeck: 14 × 9-pounders
  • Forecastle: 4 × 9-pounders
NotesShips in class include: Bellona, Dragon, Superb, Kent, Defence

The Bellona-class ships of the line were a class of five 74-gun third rates, whose design for the Royal Navy by Sir Thomas Slade was approved on 31 January 1758. Three ships were ordered on 28 December 1757, with names being assigned on 1 February 1758. Two further ships to this design were ordered on 13 December 1758, at the same time as two ships of a revised design – the Arrogant class.