HMS Henry, originally launched as the Dunbar in 1656 at Deptford, was a notable second-rate ship of the line of the Commonwealth of England, later serving in the Royal Navy after her renaming in 1660. As built, she measured approximately 123 feet (37.5 meters) in length on the keel, with a beam of 40 feet (12.2 meters) and a depth of 17 feet (5.2 meters), resulting in a burthen measurement of roughly 1,047 tons. Later re-measurements indicated a length of 124 feet (37.8 meters) with a slightly increased beam of 40 feet 6 inches (12.3 meters). Her armament was initially 64 guns, distributed across her three decks: the lower deck housed 13 pairs of gunports (with one unused), the middle deck 12 pairs, and the upper deck 10 pairs, with additional guns on the quarterdeck bringing her total to 82 guns by 1677. Her armament included a mixture of demi-cannon, culverins, and demi-culverins, reflecting her role as a formidable warship of her time. Constructed at Deptford Dockyard under Master Shipwright Manley Callis, the Dunbar was part of a 1654 program ordered by the Council of State. She played an active role in England’s naval conflicts, serving as the flagship for notable commanders. In 1661/1662, HMS Henry transported troops to occupy Tangier and later escorted the Queen Catherine of Braganza back to England. She participated prominently in the Second Anglo-Dutch War, engaging in major battles such as Lowestoft (1665), the Four Days' Battle (1666), and the St James Day Battle (1666). During the Raid on the Medway in 1667, she was driven ashore but was repaired and recommissioned in 1668. Her service continued into the Third Anglo-Dutch War, taking part in the Battle of Solebay (1672), the Battles of Schooneveld (1673), and the Battle of Texel (1673). HMS Henry’s career ended abruptly when she was accidentally destroyed by fire at Chatham Dockyard on 16 May 1682, marking the loss of a significant vessel of her era. Her active service and participation in key naval battles underscore her maritime significance during a transformative period of English naval history.

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