The name of the ship refers to the seven autonomous provinces that made up the Dutch Republic in the 17th century.

The vessel was built in 1664-65 for the Admiralty of de Maze in Rotterdam by the master shipbuilder Salomon Jansz van den Tempel.

The ship served as Admiral Michiel de Ruyter's flagship during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, taking part in the Dutch victory at the Four Days Fight and the defeat at the St. James's Day Battle, and acting as a command post as well as blockading the River Thames during the Raid on the Medway.

In 1692 the ship, now armed with only 76 guns, fought at the Battles of Barfleur and La Hogue during the War of the Grand Alliance.

In 1995 a full-size replica of the ship was started at the Batavia-werf (docks) in Lelystad; but due to severe technical problems that work was completely wrecked.