HMS Illustrious (1789) was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the British Royal Navy. Originally launched in 1789, the ship went through several significant modifications and refits throughout its service life. It participated in various naval engagements, including the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797 and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where it played a crucial role in the victory against the French and Spanish fleets. The ship underwent repairs and reconfiguration multiple times, serving in various capacities such as a troopship and a prison ship. HMS Illustrious was eventually broken up in 1834 after over four decades of service. The ship's history reflects the changing roles and technologies of naval warfare during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, showcasing the evolution of naval tactics and ship design during this period. HMS Illustrious remains a notable example of the Royal Navy's prowess and contributions to maritime history during the Age of Sail.

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