HMS Kent

Ten ships of the British Royal Navy have been named HMS Kent, after the county of Kent.

• The first Kent was a 70-gun 3rd rate launched in 1679, rebuilt in 1699 and 1724, and broken up 1744.

• The second Kent was also a 70-gun 3rd rate launched in 1746 and hulked in India 1760.

• The third Kent was a 74-gun 3rd rate launched in 1762 and sold 1784.

• The fourth Kent was also a 74-gun 3rd rate, launched in 1798, converted to a sheer hulk in 1856, and broken up 1881.

• The fifth Kent was a 16-gun vessel purchased in 1798 and sold in 1801.

• The sixth Kent was to be a 91-gun 2nd rate, laid down in 1860 but cancelled 1863.

• The seventh Kent was an armoured cruiser in service from 1901 to 1920.

• The eighth Kent was also a cruiser, launched in 1926, and sold in 1948.

• The ninth Kent was a guided missile destroyer in service from 1961 to 1997.

• The tenth Kent is a frigate launched in 1998.