The French SOLEIL ROYAL was one of the most powerful warships of her time. She was named in honour of the Sun KING, Louis XIV. The ship was launched 1669 in Brest and carried 104 cannons. As flagship of the French Navy, she was extensively painted and decorated with wooden carvings. The figurehead was a seahorse that was flanked by winged maidens.

At the battle of Beachy Head in July 1690, admiral Tourville led the French fleet of 70 ships against the united English and Dutch fleet of 57 ships, scoring a victory. Two years later the situation was different. On 20 May 1692, at the battles of Barfleur and La Hogue, a French fleet with only 44 ships come on the English and Dutch with twice as many ships. Some the French ships could escape. The SOLEIL ROYAL, however, was severely damaged and ran aground when trying to escape to Cherbourg. On 23 May 1692 the English managed to destroy her by fireships.

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Friday 20 May 2022

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