HMS Bideford was a member of the standardized 20-gun sixth rates built at the end of the 17th century.

After commissioning she spent her short career in the West Indies, mainly employed as a trade protection vessel.

[2][Note 1] She was ordered in the Second Batch of eight ships to be built under contract by Nicholas Barret of Harwich.

[1] She was commissioned on 19 October 1695 under the command of Captain Thomas Thatcher, RN for service in the West Indies.

[1] HMS Bideford was wrecked on the Isle of Ash off Hispaniola on 12 November 1699.