The Launch of H.M. 84 Gun Ship The Thunderer at Woolwich Dockyard 1831

The 'Thunderer' was a first-rate ship of the line. A ship's 'rate' was basically decided by the number of guns she carried, from the largest 120-gun first-rate, down to sixth rate 20-gun ships. The first-rate were the biggest ships of the fleet, with their gun batteries carried on three decks. They were generally used as flagships and fought in the centre of the line-of-battle.