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During the age of sail, a '''frigate''' was a fast, medium [[full-rigged ship|warship]] with 24-60 cannons used by all [[European]] navies from the mid 17th to the end of the age of sail in the 19th century. It derived from the North [[Africa]]n “fregatta” a small oared sailing ship.  It was smaller but faster than the largest warships, the ships of the line.

During the age of sail, a '''frigate''' was a fast, medium [[full-rigged ship|warship]] with 24-60 cannons used by all [[European]] navies from the mid 17th to the end of the age of sail in the 19th century. It derived from the North [[Africa]]n “fregatta” a small oared sailing ship.  It was smaller but faster than the largest warship, the [[ship of the line]].

In their hey-day they were the eyes of the battle fleets, acting as despatch vessels, passing on flagged orders during battle, and either "finishing off" or towing away as prizes stricken enemy ships. They also undertook anti-pirate ( and later, anti-slaving) duties and “showing the flag” diplomacy where the use of a full [[ship of the line]] was deemed unnecessary.

In their hey-day they were the eyes of the battle fleets, acting as despatch vessels, passing on flagged orders during battle, and either "finishing off" or towing away as prizes stricken enemy ships. They also undertook anti-pirate ( and later, anti-slaving) duties and “showing the flag” diplomacy where the use of a full [[ship of the line]] was deemed unnecessary.

The young [[United States]] built a number of frigates that were the equal or better than any in commission at the time. The most famous of these, and one still afloat, is the “[[USS Constitution]]”  

In the 1790s the young United States built a number of frigates that were the equal or better than any in commission at the time. The most famous of these, and one still afloat, is the “[[USS Constitution]]”  

[[Category: Sailing ship types]]

[[Category: Sailing ship types]]

[[Category:Warships]]

[[Category:Warships]]