French frigate Franchise (1798)
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For other ships of the same name, see French ship Franchise.
| Career (France) |  |
|---|---|
| Name: | Franchise |
| Builder: | Bayonne |
| Laid down: | August 1794 |
| Launched: | 17 October 1797 |
| In service: | May 1798 |
| Captured: | 28 May 1803 |
| Career (UK) |  |
| Name: | HMS Franchise |
| Acquired: | 12 October 1798 |
| Fate: | Accidental fire in December 1798 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Coquille class frigate |
| Tons burthen: | 590 tonnes |
| Length: | 44.7 metres |
| Draught: | 5.3 metres |
| Propulsion: | Sails |
| Sail plan: | Ship |
| Armament: |
40 guns |
The Franchise ("truthfulnes") was a 40-gun Coquille class frigate of the French Navy.
In 1800, she sailed to South Atlantic to act as a commerce raider, along with the Concorde and Médée. While the two other frigates were captured off Rio de Janeiro, Franchise managed to return to France, running through the British blockade.
On 28 May 1803, she was catpured by HMS Minotaur, HMS Thunderer and HMS Albion. She was subsequently recommissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Franchise.
In British service, she captured the Spanish brig Raposa on 6 January 1806, and took part in the Battle of Copenhagen.
From 1808 to 1811, she escorted convoys in the Mediterranean.
