| Career (England) | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Rainbow |
| Launched: | 1586 |
| Honours and awards: |
Participated in: |
| Fate: | Sunk as a breakwater, 1680 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Class and type: | Galleon |
| Tons burthen: | 480 tons |
| Length: | 100 ft (30 m) (keel) |
| Beam: | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Depth of hold: | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Propulsion: | Sails |
| Complement: | 250 |
| Armament: | 26 guns, comprising (1603) 6 demi-cannon, 12 culverins, 7 demi-culverins and 1 saker. |
| General characteristics after 1617 rebuild[1] | |
| Class and type: | 40-gun great ship |
| Tons burthen: | 731 tons (743 tonnes) |
| Length: | 112 ft (34 m) (keel) |
| Beam: | 36 ft 3 in (11.05 m) |
| Depth of hold: | 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m) |
| Sail plan: | Full-rigged ship |
| Armament: | 40 guns of various weights of shot |
Rainbow[Note 1] was a galleon of the English Royal Navy, built at Deptford Dockyard by Peter Pett (the first of that name in this extensive family), and launched in 1586. Commanded by Sir Hugh Seymour, she fought against the Spanish during the Spanish Armada, including the Battle of Gravelines in 1588.
In 1617 Rainbow was rebuilt at Deptford as a great ship (now described as a "second rate"), mounting 34 major and 6 smaller guns.[1] She was again reconstructed in 1628-29 at Chatham, although the work was classed as a "repair" rather than as an official rebuilding. By 1660 her armament had increased to 56 guns.[1]
She took an active role in all three Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century, participating in most of the battles of those wars, and was sunk as a breakwater at Sheerness in 1680.[1]