HMS Greenwich was a 50-gun fourth-rate ship of the line constructed for the Royal Navy during the mid-18th century, specifically laid down at Lepe on the Beaulieu River in Hampshire in November 1745. Launched on 19 March 1747, she was built according to the dimensions specified in the 1745 Establishment, which aimed to standardize ship designs. Greenwich measured approximately 144.6 feet overall in length and 116.1 feet on her keel, with a beam of 41.3 feet and a hold depth of 17.7 feet. Her tonnage was recorded at 1,053 15/94 builder's measure. The vessel was armed with a total of 50 guns: twenty-two 24-pounders on the lower deck, twenty-two 12-pounders on the upper deck, four 6-pounders on the quarterdeck, and two 6-pounders as bow chasers. Her design featured a deeper draught compared to earlier 50-gun ships, but with improved freeboard—about 5 feet 11 inches amidships—providing increased headroom below decks. The total cost of construction was approximately £19,582, which likely included fitting out expenses. Commissioned in 1748 under Captain John Montagu, Greenwich was initially inactive after her launch, being surveyed in 1749 and probably laid up for some years. She was recommissioned in 1755 at the outbreak of the Seven Years' War under Captain William Holburne, soon succeeded by Captain Robert Roddam. Her service is notably marked by her engagement in the Caribbean, where she faced French forces. In 1757, under Roddam's command, Greenwich encountered a French squadron off San Domingo and fought a fierce 12-hour engagement before surrendering. She was subsequently taken into French service, retaining her name, and participated in the Battle of Cap-Français in October 1757 as part of a French squadron. During this battle, despite being outnumbered and damaged, Greenwich was involved in heavy fighting against British ships. Her condition deteriorated to a leaky state after the engagement. Later, while escorting a convoy back to France in January 1758, Greenwich was caught in a gale and wrecked along with two other ships. Her service history highlights her as a ship of the line that saw active combat during the mid-18th century conflicts, exemplifying the naval warfare of her era and the hazards faced by ships of her class.

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