HMS Peregrine Galley was a 20-gun sixth-rate ship of the Royal Navy, constructed between 1699 and 1700 at Sheerness Dockyard under the direction of Master Shipwright William Lee, based on a design by Rear-Admiral the Marquis of Carmarthen. As a sixth-rate vessel, she was relatively small but versatile, initially serving in various naval capacities. Her early service began with commissioning in February 1701 under her designer, the Marquis of Carmarthen, and she was commanded in 1702 by Lieutenant William Sanderson, who remained aboard until 1714. Notably, she conveyed the Hanoverian King George I from Germany to England in August 1714, marking a significant event in her service history. In 1716, she underwent a major transformation, being converted into a permanent Royal yacht and renamed HMS Carolina by order dated 29 May. This conversion was overseen at Deptford Dockyard by Richard Storey. As a royal yacht, she was recommissioned under Captain Galfridus Walpole (1716–1720), then served with Captain John Guy (1721–1729), and later Captain Charles Hardy (1730–1732). In 1733, she was rebuilt at Deptford as the Royal yacht Royal Caroline, reflecting her continued importance in royal and naval service. Recommissioned under Sir Charles Hardy, she served until 1741, after which she was commanded by Captain Charley Molloy until her decommissioning in 1749. Following her retirement from the royal yacht role, she reverted to her original classification as a Sixth Rate naval sloop and was renamed HMS Peregrine. She continued in service until her loss in late December 1761, when she foundered in the English Channel with all hands, under the command of Lieutenant & Commander Edward Knowles. Throughout her career, HMS Peregrine Galley/Royal Caroline exemplified the versatility of early 18th-century naval design, serving both as a combat vessel and as a prestigious royal yacht, reflecting her maritime significance during the period.

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