Sir Thomas Slade (? - 1771) was an English naval architect, most famous for designing the HMS "Victory", Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. He was appointed Surveyor of the Navy in 1755 by George Anson, First Lord of the Admiralty, serving until his death in 1771. During his tenure, he created a "generic design" that was used as a template for the Royal Navy's 74-gun ships and frigates. Wikipedia
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