Niger-class frigate

HMS Alarm in 1758
Class overview
NameNiger class
Built1757–1766
In commission1759–1814
Completed11
General characteristics
TypeFrigate
Tons burthen6796794 (as designed)
Length125 ft (38 m)
Beam35 ft 2 in (11 m)
Depth of hold12 ft (4 m)
Sail planFull-rigged ship
Complement220
Armament
  • 32 guns comprising:
  • Upperdeck: 26 × 12-pounder guns
  • Quarterdeck: 4 × 6-pounder guns
  • Forecastle: 2 × 6-pounder guns

The Niger-class frigates were 32-gun sailing frigates of the fifth rate produced for the Royal Navy. They were designed in 1757 by Sir Thomas Slade, and were an improvement on his 1756 design for the 32-gun Southampton-class frigates.

Slade's design was approved in September 1757, on which date four ships were approved to be built to these plans - three by contract and a fourth in a royal dockyard. Seven more ships were ordered to the same design between 1759 and 1762 - three more to be built by contract and four in royal dockyards. Stag and Quebec were both reduced to 28-gun sixth rates in 1778, but were then restored to 32-gun fifth rates in 1779.