Under the rating system introduced into the Royal Navy by Admiral Lord Anson in 1751-6, fifth rate warships were those carrying between 32 and 50 guns (increased to between 32 and 60 from 1810). Such vessels were the larger Frigates (otherwise termed Cruisers), and were built with a sufficient speed to make them suitable for scouting and detached duties. HMS Unicorn and HMS Tricomalee (in preservation at Dundee and Hartlepool respectively) exemplify the type.
