HMS Defence was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. She was built in 1763 and had a distinguished service record during her career. The ship played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars. In particular, she took part in the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1780 and the Battle of the Glorious First of June in 1794. HMS Defence also saw action in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 under the command of Captain George Hope. Tragically, she exploded and sank during the battle, resulting in the loss of most of her crew, including Captain Hope. The sinking of HMS Defence was a significant event in naval history and highlighted the dangers faced by sailors during this era. The ship's legacy lives on through historical records and artifacts that provide insights into naval warfare and the bravery of those who served aboard her.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.