1646 Programme Group
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | 1646 Programme (Group of English warships) |
| Builders | |
| Operators |
|
| Preceded by | 1637 Group |
| Succeeded by | 1647 Programme |
| Built | 1645 - 1646 |
| In service | 1646 - 1709 |
| Completed | 3 |
| Lost | 2 |
| Retired | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | 34-gun Fourth Rate |
| Sail plan | ship-rigged |
| Armament | 32 to 34 guns initially, later up to 42 guns |
The 1646 Programme of new warships nominally for the English Navy Royal of King Charles I were ordered during the English Civil War by the Parliamentary side in late 1645. With Parliament on 14 October 1645 approving the disposal of six elderly ships, instructions were issued for the speedy building of other vessels in their place. The Admiralty Committee was instructed on 4 November to "take care for the setting up ... and building of so many ships or frigates as they see fit", and on 2 December it ordered a model to be constructed in order "to build three frigates, (each) to carry 32 or 34 guns".