Editing First-rate (section)

==Origins==
The concept of a rating system for British naval vessels dates to the accession of [[James I of England]], following which the fleet was formally divided into "great", "middling" and "lesser" craft. A 1618 commission of enquiry added a further designation of "Ships Royal" for the largest and most prestigious vessels in the fleet, each capable of carrying at least 400 men.<ref name=winfield8>{{harvnb|Winfield|2010|p=8}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Winfield|2009|p=1}}</ref>

The first Ships Royal – {{ship|English ship|Elizabeth Jonas|1559|2}}, {{ship|English ship|Triumph|1562|2}}, {{ship|English ship|White Bear|1563|2}}, {{ship|English ship|Merhonour|1590|2}}, {{ship|English ship|Ark Royal|1587|2}} and {{ship|English ship|Victory|1569|2}} – were all converted [[galleon]]s and included three very old vessels that had fought against the [[Spanish Armada]] in 1588. Their condition was generally poor, with ''Elizabeth Jonas'' and ''Triumph'' already completely unserviceable and ''White Bear'' so unseaworthy that she was sold for scrap in 1627.<ref name=winfield8/><ref>{{harvnb|Winfield|2009|pp=1–4}}</ref>

The Navy's rating system was later modified to differentiate ships considered suitable for various functions within the naval tactics of the [[age of sail]]. Lower numbers indicated larger and more capable ships. By the mid-18th century ships suitable for the [[line of battle]] were first-rate ships carrying at least 100 guns, [[second-rate]] ships carrying 84 to 98 guns, and larger [[third-rate]] ships carrying 70 to 80 guns. Smaller [[third-rate]] ships carrying about 60–64 guns, and [[fourth-rate]] ships of around 50 guns, had earlier been considered suitable, but were being phased out. [[Fifth-rate]] and [[sixth-rate]] ships were [[frigate]]s usually maneuvering independently of the line of battle.<ref>{{harvnb|Keegan|1989|pp=277–278}}</ref>