HMS Milford was a 32-gun fifth-rate warship constructed under contract by William Hubbard of Ipswich in 1694–1695. Launched on 6 March 1695, this vessel measured approximately 107 feet 10 inches (32.87 meters) in length on the gundeck, with a keel length of 90 feet 2.25 inches (27.49 meters) used for tonnage calculations. The ship's breadth was 28 feet 4.5 inches (8.65 meters), and her depth of hold was 10 feet 7.5 inches (3.24 meters). Her builder's measure tonnage was calculated at roughly 38.63 tons burthen. HMS Milford's initial armament comprised four demi-culverins on the lower deck, with two guns per side, designed for broadside firepower. The upper deck was equipped with between twenty and twenty-two 6-pounder guns, with ten or eleven guns per side, providing significant firepower for a vessel of her class. Additionally, she carried four 4-pounder guns on the quarterdeck, with two to three guns per side, enhancing her close-range combat capability. Commissioned in 1695 under Captain Thomas Lyell, HMS Milford served primarily in the North Sea, notably for fishery protection duties. Her service was interrupted when, on 7 January 1697, she was captured by five French ships while en route from Greater Yarmouth to Holland. Subsequently, she was incorporated into French service under the name Milfort, remaining in their fleet until 1720. HMS Milford's construction and service reflect the naval practices of the late 17th century, illustrating the typical design of fifth-rate ships intended for versatile roles such as patrol, escort, and protection duties. Her capture and subsequent service under the French highlight the turbulent naval conflicts of the period, emphasizing her maritime significance in the context of Anglo-French hostilities.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.