HMS Edgar was a notable 72-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in 1668 and built by Baylie of Bristol. As the largest and longest third-rate ship constructed up to that time, she represented a significant development in naval architecture. Her design was influenced by Samuel Pepys, who visited the ship during its construction and praised it as a "fine ship." The ship's masts were stepped approximately 10 to 12 feet farther aft than usual, which contributed to its excellent sailing qualities. Constructed under the 1666 Programme alongside the Resolution, HMS Edgar was named after King Edgar, symbolizing the establishment of English naval power by the first English king to do so. Throughout her service, she participated in seven major battles, beginning with the Third Anglo-Dutch War. She fought at the Battle of Solebay (1672), the two Battles of Schooneveld (1673), and the Battle of Texel (1673). By 1685, her armament had increased to 74 guns, including demi-cannon, culverins, and demi-culverins, with some guns cutts. During the Nine Years' War, starting in 1689, HMS Edgar operated under the command of Cloudesley Shovell. She saw action at the Battle of Bantry Bay, where French landings were thwarted, as well as at the Battle of Beachy Head (1690) and the Battle of Barfleur (1692). After her active service, she was paid off in 1698 and underwent a major rebuild at Portsmouth Dockyard in 1699, emerging as a 70-gun ship in 1702. Her second rebuild took place in 1706-1709 at Rotherhithe, to the 1706 Establishment specifications. Sadly, HMS Edgar's service ended when she was destroyed by an accidental explosion at Spithead in 1711 while all her officers were ashore, resulting in significant loss of life. The wreck was eventually cleared in 1844, marking the end of her maritime career.

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