HMS President

Five ships of the British Royal Navy have been named HMS President, after the office of president.

• The first President was a 26-gun ship purchased in 1646, known as Old President after 1650, and sold 1656.

• The second President was a 41-gun ship launched in 1650, renamed Bonaventure in 1660, rebuilt 1666, and broken up 1711.

• The third President was a 38-gun fifth-rate, originally the French Presidente, captured in 1806, renamed Piemontaise in 1815 and broken up the same year.

• The fourth President was a 44-gun fifth-rate, originally the American frigate President, captured in 1815 and broken up 1818.

• The fifth President was a 52-gun fourth-rate launched in 1829, used as a drillship of the Royal Naval Reserve after 1862 and sold in 1903.

Several other old ships were also known as President while in use as drillships.