Formidable, 1777
Type: 2nd rate ; Armament 98
Launched : 1777 ; Disposal date or year : 1813
Notes:

1782 Rodney's victory over French under Comte de Grasse

1796 the Channel fleet was divided into three squadrons : the first, under Rear-admiral Sir Roger Curtis, in the Formidable 98, to cruise to the westward ; the second, under Rear-admiral Thompson, in the London 98, stationed off Brest, and the third, under Admiral Lord Bridport, in the Royal George 100, remained at Spithead, to be despatched wherever the intelligence received by government might lead.

25 Dec 1796 Lord Bridport delayed in his departure from Spithead to meet the French fleet, during which a number of accidents involving ships of the line took place, including the Formidable.

25 Jan 1798 with a detachment from the Channel fleet cruised in the Bay of Biscay.

Formidable 1 Feb 1799, In the gale of last night in Hamoaze, the Formidable, 98 guns, broke from her moorings, ran foul of the Amelia, 44, and tailed on the west mud ; but the tide flowing she was got off without any other damage except carrying away her bumpkin.

10 Feb 1799, Plymouth, went down into Cawsand Bay.

27 Feb 1799, Plymouth, sailed for Torbay with the Canada, Dragon, Superb, and Lancaster.

19 Apr 1799, Plymouth, arrived from a cruise.

7 May 1799, remains in Cawsand Bay.

9 May 1799, Plymouth, orders came down to victual for six months for foreign service.

11 May 1799, Plymouth, sailed last night the Atlas, Formidable, Canada, Triumph, Spitfire, and the Lady Duncan lugger, to join Lord Bridport's fleet.

8 Jun 1799, Plymouth, reports received here advise that 16 ships of the line and 4 frigates were detached by Lord Bridport for the Straits.

7 Jul 1799 joined the Mediterranean fleet off Minorca.

1 Nov 1799, Plymouth, arrived from Lord Bridport's fleet the Formidable, Impetueux, Defiance, and Canada. The remainder of the fleet, 31 sail of the line, passed up for Torbay. The fleet experienced very heavy gales of wind in their late cruise.

23 Mar 1800, Plymouth, came in from off Brest, which they left the 19th inst., Adm. Gardner's squadron, viz. Royal Sovereign, Triumph, Formidable, St George, Caesar, Bellona, Magnificent, and Unicorn 36. They left Admiral Lord Bridport all well off Brest, with 31 sail of the line.

1 Apr 1800, Plymouth, sailed to join Lord Bndport's fleet, with the St George, and Bellona.

15 Apr 1800, Plymouth, sailed for Portsmouth.

Circa Jun 1800 George Grant, Esq. Secretary to Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, and Purser of the Royal Sovereign, has resigned those situations ; he is succeeded by John Scott, Esq. Purser of the Formidable, 98, to which ship D. A. Hemsworth, Esq. is appointed his successor.

19 Jun 1800, Portsmouth, sailed to join the Channel fleet.

Circa 1 Aug 1800, Lieutenant Conn, of the Formidable, is promoted to the rank of Master and Commander, and appointed to the Discovery bomb.

8 Aug 1800, Plymouth, arrived from the Channel fleet.

22 Aug 1800, Plymouth, sailed with the Barfleur, 98, and Unicorn, 32 to join the fleet.

10 Dec 1800, Torbay, a Court-Martial was held, on I.ieutenant Delyel, of the Formidable, on the charge of speaking very disrespectfully of his Captain. The charge being fully proved, he was sentenced to be dismissed from the service, rendered incapable of serving again, and to be imprisoned two years in solitary confinement.

27 Apr 1801 Doubled and sheathed &c.from top of the side down to eight strakes under the wale and strengthened with diagonal braces

1805 Plymouth, to repair in Ordinary

Plymouth 1 Jan 1807 Sailed for the Mediterranean.

21 Feb 1808 joined in Palermo bay by R.-adm. Strachan's squadron.

2 Mar 1808 joined Lord Collingwood's squadron off the island of Maritimo. 6 Mar received news that the French fleet had been at sea for a month and sailed in search, which continued for a week or two after the French fleet had returned to Toulon on 10 Apr. Leaving Vice-admiral Thornborough with a sufficient force to blockade Toulon, Lord Collingwood sailed for Gibraltar and Cadiz, to contribute his aid to the cause of the Spanish patriots.

Plymouth 2 Jan 1810 Went up the harbour to be repaired.

Portsmouth 28 Jan 1811 At St. Helen's and remains.

Portsmouth 30 Jan 1811 Sailed.

Portsmouth 26 Mar 1811 Is reported to have gone to Plymouth.

Portsmouth 29 Mar 1811 Ordered to this port to refit.

Deal 15 Apr 1811 Arrived yesterday, and has sailed to the eastward.