shipsoftheline

Shipsoftheline is a collaboratively curated database and reference that documents ships of the line, the major warships that formed the battle line in early modern naval warfare. The project focuses on sailing warships built and used by European powers from the 17th to the 19th century, with emphasis on design, construction, deployment, and fate. Each vessel entry typically includes its name, nation, class, yard of construction, launch date, tonnage, armament, crew complement, dimensions, notable engagements, and final disposition.

The project originated as a community-driven effort among naval historians, modelers, and museum curators. It aggregates information from ship plans, dockyard records, logbooks, and published histories. The data model supports linking vessels to classes, yards, battles, and naval districts, enabling cross-referencing and lineage tracking across fleets and eras.

Content and scope focus on ships officially rated for line-of-battle service, including first-rate, second-rate, and other vessels depending on the rating system of each navy. While the emphasis is on well-documented fleets such as Britain, France, and Spain, the project also includes ships from other maritime powers and lesser-known vessels that meet the criteria for line of battle status.

Notable entries commonly referenced within the database include HMS Victory, a British first-rate flagship, and the French Soleil Royal, a celebrated 100-plus gun ship of the line. The collection aims to standardize terminology and data fields to facilitate comparison and scholarly study across different navies and periods.

Usage of shipsoftheline supports researchers, educators, and maritime enthusiasts seeking historical analysis, comparative studies, or reference material for museums and reconstructive projects. Contributions from individuals and institutions are welcomed, with emphasis on verification and proper citation of primary sources.