HMS Guernsey (1696) was a 50-gun fourth-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. She was originally built by Thomas Ellis at Shoreham and launched in 1696. The ship was captured by the French in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession but was later recaptured by British forces in 1705. HMS Guernsey saw action in several naval battles, including the Battle of Vigo Bay in 1702 and the Battle of Málaga in 1704. The ship was eventually broken up in 1714. HMS Guernsey played a significant role in naval warfare during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, showcasing the importance of ships of the line in protecting British interests and projecting power across the seas. As a fourth-rate ship, she was a versatile vessel capable of engaging in both naval combat and long-distance voyages, contributing to the Royal Navy's dominance during this period. The ship's capture and subsequent recapture highlight the volatile nature of maritime warfare during the era and the strategic importance of naval power in securing control over key trade routes and territories.

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