HMS Ruby was a notable 40-gun frigate of the English navy, constructed at Deptford Dockyard under the guidance of shipbuilder Peter Pett. Launched in 1652, Ruby measured approximately 125 feet 6 inches on her gundeck, with a keel length of 105 feet 6 inches, a breadth of 31 feet 6 inches, and a hold depth of 15 feet 9 inches. Her initial builder’s measure tonnage was calculated at around 556 tons. She was built at a cost of roughly £4,175 and 12 shillings, reflecting her significance as a warship of her time. Designed with a varying armament over her service life, Ruby was originally equipped with around 42-48 guns, including culverins, demi-culverins, and sakers, with her armament being adjusted according to the 1666 and 1677 Establishments. Her crew complement ranged from 150 to 230 men, depending on the period and her operational needs. Ruby’s service record was extensive, beginning with her commissioning in 1652 under Captain John Lambert. She participated actively in the Anglo-Dutch Wars, engaging in significant battles such as the Battle of Dover (1652), the Battle of Portland (1653), and the Battle of the Gabbard (1653). During these conflicts, she served in various squadrons, notably in the White, Red, and Blue Squadrons, and suffered casualties including Captain Houlding, who was killed at Portland. She also took part in operations in the Mediterranean and was involved in actions at Santa Cruz (1657) and Plymouth Sound. Ruby’s later career saw her stationed in the West Indies, where she protected colonies from pirates and was involved in notable events such as the capture of the pirate Joseph Bannister in 1687. She was rebuilt at Blackwall in 1687, with her dimensions slightly altered—her gundeck length increased to 125 feet 7 inches and her tonnage maintained at around 556 tons. Her armament was updated to include culverin and demi-culverin drakes. In her final years, Ruby participated in the War of the Spanish Succession, including the Battle of Bantry Bay (1689) and the Battle of Barfleur (1692). She was ordered rebuilt again in 1704 at Deptford, where her dimensions increased further, and her armament was standardized under the 1703 Establishment, with a crew of about 280 men during wartime. Her active career ended when she was captured by the French in October 1707 during an engagement with a convoy. She was subsequently condemned at Brest in 1708 and sold for commercial use, marking the end of her distinguished service.

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