A 74-Gun Ship entering the Carrick Roads, 1800 - Geoffrey Huband

Between 1793 and 1805 the Royal Navy initiated a strategy of blockade against France to thwart the invasion plans of Napoleon. Although this had some measure of success it only became effective after 1805 when England established naval supremacy following a defeat of the allied fleet at Trafalgar. 

The policy of year-round blockade was extremely arduous especially during the winter, hard on the ships and crew. In 1807 twenty seven Royal Navy ships were lost to misadventure.

The blockade was imposed by squadrons comprised of 74 gunships for their firepower, frigates for their versatility and Naval Cutters for their speed and despatch work, these were known as the “Eyes of the Fleet”.

Depicted in the painting is each of the three types of vessel returning to Falmouth after a period of duty.

Oil on canvas, signed lower left, framed.

Canvas size 20 x 28 inches (51cm x 71cm)