Ruby Group

Class overview
NameRuby Group
BuildersDeptford Dockyard
Operators
Preceded by1651 Programme Group
Succeeded byEarly 1652 Programme
Built1651–1652
In service1651–1709
Completed2
Retired2
General characteristics
Type42-gun Fourth Rate
Tons burthen500+0⁄94 tons bm
Sail planship-rigged
Complement180/150 in 1652
Armament42 guns

The Ruby Group of two 600 ton Fourth Rate vessels were part of the 1651 Programme. They were the two larger vessels. Initially five vessels were specified, three of 410 tons at 6.10.0d[Note 1] per ton and two of 600 tons at £7.10.0d[Note 2] per ton. The size of these vessels grew from the 1647 predecessors with 600 tonners being much broader. The two 600-ton vessels would be completed as 42-gun Fourth Rates.[1]

Design and specifications

The construction one vessels was assigned to Portsmouth Dockyard with one vessel contracted to Peter Pett I of Ratcliffe. The dimensional data was so varied that it will be listed on the individual vessels along with their gun armament composition.[2]

Ships of the 1651 Programme Group

Name Builder Launch date Remarks
Ruby (1652) Deptford Dockyard 15 March 1652
  • Rebuilt at Blackwall 1687
Diamond (1652) Deptford Dockyard 15 March 1652
  • Captured by the French on 20 September 1693

Notes

  1. ^ The cost accounting for inflation of approximately £1,100 in reference to today
  2. ^ The cost accounting for inflation of approximately £1,200 in reference to today

Citations

  1. ^ Winfield
  2. ^ Winfield

References

  • British Warships in the Age of Sail (1603 – 1714), by Rif Winfield, published by Seaforth Publishing, England © Rif Winfield 2009, EPUB ISBN 978-1-78346-924-6, Chapter 4, The Fourth Rates - 'Small Ships', Vessels acquired from 24 March 1603, Ruby Group
  • Ships of the Royal Navy, by J.J. Colledge, revised and updated by Lt-Cdr Ben Warlow and Steve Bush, published by Seaforth Publishing, Barnsley, Great Britain, © the estate of J.J. Colledge, Ben Warlow and Steve Bush 2020, EPUB ISBN 978-1-5267-9328-7