A coloured engraving of a busy scene at the launching of the naval ship Queen Charlotte at Deptford Dockyard in July 1810. The dockside is crowded with spectators and many small boats, loaded with people, line either side of the slipway. Ladies are waving their handkerchiefs and gentlemen their hats to salute the great ship as she enters the river. The decks of the ship are also crowded. The figurehead, representing Queen Charlotte, is very prominent, and a bottle is about to strike her bow. The vessel, seen from the port side, has no masts or rigging but four large flags – Union Jack, St George’s Cross and two Ensigns – fly from flag staffs on her deck. More flags have been erected on both sides of the dock. The dignitaries christening the ship are standing on a raised platform at her bows and a military band is playing on the far left of the picture.