HMS Restoration was a 70-gun third-rate warship built for the Kingdom of England at Harwich Dockyard, launched on 25 May 1678. Constructed under the guidance of Master Shipwright Isaac Betts, the vessel measured approximately 150 feet 6 inches in length on the gundeck, with a keel length of 120 feet 7 inches for tonnage calculations. Its breadth was nearly 40 feet, with a depth of hold of 17 feet, and a draught of 18 feet. The ship's builder's measure tonnage was around 1,021 91/94 tons burthen, reflecting its substantial size for its class. Initially armed according to the 1677 Establishment, HMS Restoration carried 72 to 70 guns, including demi-cannons, 12-pounder guns, sakers, and smaller 3-pounder guns distributed across the lower deck, upper deck, quarterdeck, and forecastle. Her armament likely remained consistent after her rebuild, though specific details post-rebuild are uncertain. The ship's crew complement was initially around 460 men, later adjusted to between 380 and 300. HMS Restoration saw active service from her commissioning in May 1678, initially under Captain John Brookes. She participated in significant naval battles, notably the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690 under Captain William Botham, who was killed in action, and the Battle of Barfleur in 1692 under Captain James Gother. Her service was distinguished enough to earn her the Battle Honour Barfleur 1692. The vessel was rebuilt at Portsmouth between 1699 and 1702 under Master Shipwright Elias Waffe, with her dimensions slightly increased—her gundeck now measured approximately 150 feet 9 inches. She was commissioned in 1702 under Captain Robert Fairfax and later commanded by Captain Edward Whitaker and Captain Fleetwood Ernes. Tragically, HMS Restoration was wrecked during the Great Storm of November 1703 on the Goodwin Sands, resulting in the loss of all 387 (or 391) men aboard, including Captain Ernes. The wreck site was discovered in 1980 and later investigated archaeologically, revealing copper-clad timbers, cannons, and other artifacts. The wreck remains a protected site, marking the vessel’s maritime significance as a notable example of late 17th-century English naval architecture and its role in key naval conflicts of 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.