HMS Fame was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line constructed for the Royal Navy, with its keel laid down on 28 May 1756 and launched on 1 January 1759. Designed by naval architect William Bately, it was the only vessel built to his specific design, which drew heavily from the specifications of the Dublin-class ships and was influenced by the dimensions and sailing qualities of the King's yacht Royal Caroline. The ship measured approximately 165 feet 6 inches in length, with a 134-foot keel, a beam of 46 feet 6 inches, and a hold depth of about 19 feet 10.5 inches. Her construction cost was relatively modest for a ship of her class, totaling around £26,392.10s for construction and £9,169.9s for fitting out. Fame's complement consisted of about 550 personnel, including officers, warrant and petty officers, ratings, Marines, and support staff. Her early service included capturing a French 10-gun ship, Ecureuil, in 1762. In 1768, she was severely damaged after being driven ashore at Plymouth during a collision with Irish ships, but she was subsequently refloated and repaired. During the American Revolutionary War, Fame participated in notable engagements, including the Battle of Grenada in 1779, where she was part of Vice-Admiral Byron’s fleet. The battle was chaotic, and Fame, along with several other ships, was separated from the main fleet and suffered damage, with relatively light casualties of four killed and nine wounded. In 1782, under Captain Robert Barbor, Fame was part of the fleet that defeated the French at the Battle of the Saintes, a significant naval engagement in the West Indies. Notably, the famed explorer George Vancouver served as a lieutenant aboard her during this battle. Later in her service life, the ship was renamed Guilford in December 1799 and was repurposed as a prison ship. She was eventually sold out of service in 1814, marking a lengthy career that spanned over five decades and included participation in key naval conflicts, highlighting her maritime importance during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

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