The concept was to have one tier of ordnance flush on the upper deck for use in all weathers on a freeboard of at least seven feet.

The ordnance would be arranged with a minimum of ten gun ports on the upper deck.

The lower deck would be provided with four ports for heavier guns that could only be used in calm weather.

Four 32-gun vessels to these specifications were ordered in early 1693 with three to be built by Contract and one in dockyard.

For Scarborough (renamed Milford) and Winchelsea would be rerated as 36-gun vessels with an increase in the 9-pounders to eight guns.