Thomas Baston

The British Navy

The Royal Ann, a first rate ship carrying 100 Guns and 780 Men
The Royal Sovereign, a first rate Ship carrying 100 Guns and 850 Men
The Barfleur, a second rate ship carrying 90 Guns and 680 Men with a view of the Squadron Commanded by Lord Torrington in the Mediterranean

20.5 x 15.5 inches

There was no doubt who the most powerful maritime nation was in the middle of the C18th. England and her Royal Navy dominated the high seas from the Far East through the Mediterranean and out to the West Indies. The might of the British navy was known throughout the western world and here we have three fine examples of ships that were amongst the most important in the fleet. Victories against the French and farther afield in India in the 1750s secured the navy's reputation and lay the foundation for future successes and imperial expansion throughout the late C18th and early C19th.