HMS Stag was a 32-gun Niger-class

Niger class frigate

The Niger-class frigates were 32-gun sailing frigates of the fifth rate produced for the Royal Navy. They were designed in 1757 by Sir Thomas Slade, and were an improvement on his 1756 design for the 32-gun s....

 fifth-rate

Fifth-rate

In Britain's Royal Navy during the classic age of fighting sail, a fifth rate was the penultimate class of warships in a hierarchal system of six "ratings" based on size and firepower.-Rating:...

 frigate of the Royal Navy

Royal Navy

The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...

, and was the first Royal Navy ship to bear this name. She was ordered during the Seven Years' War

Seven Years' War

The Seven Years' War was a global military war between 1756 and 1763, involving most of the great powers of the time and affecting Europe, North America, Central America, the West African coast, India, and the Philippines...

, and saw service during that conflict and also during the American War of Independence. She cost £7,136 19s 8d to build, plus fitting-out costs of £4,370 15s 2d.

History

Stag was brought into service in October 1758, under Captain Henry Angel. She was reduced to a 28-gun sixth rate in 1777, but restored as a 32-gun fifth rate in 1779. She was broken up in July 1783 at Deptford.