She was the first frigate to be built at Chatham (the term 'frigate' during this period referred to a vessel designed for fast sailing, with a low superstructure, rather than a role which did not develop until the following century).

Dragon was the fourth named vessel since it was used for a ship of 100 ton bm, in service from 1512 to 1514[1]/ She was built at Chatham Dockyard under the guidance of Master Shipwright Henry Goddard.

[6] She was commissioned into the Parliamentary Naval Force in 1647 under the command of Captain Anthony Young for service in the Irish Sea.

She participated in the Battle of Lowestoft as a member of Blue Squadron, Van Division on 3 June 1665.

She partook in the Four Days' Battle arriving on 4 June with Prince Rupert's Squadron, Van Division.

As a member of White Squadron, Centre Division she partook in the St James Day Fight (Orfordness) on 25 July 1666.

She was part of Robert Holmes Squadron during the attack on the River Vlie, also known as 'Holmes's Bonfire' on 9–10 August 1666.

Captain David Trtter took command on 13 September 1672 for service in Home Waters, possibly in Ireland.

Also in 1692 Captain William Vickars took command and sailed with Wheeler;s squadron to the West Indies in early 1693.

In conjunction with Russel's Fleet she helped take the French ship Diligente of Duguay-Trouin's squadron on 12 May 1694.

In 1695 she was under Captain Edward Rigby sailing with Moody's Squadron to the Mediterranean escorting a convoy to Turkey.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, she was in action against a French 70-gun ship on 13 October 1702 during which she suffered 26 personnel killed including Captain Holliman.

[16] She was rebuilt at Cuckold's Point, Rotherhithe under the guidance of Master Shipwright James Taylor.

[18] She was commissioned in 1707 under the command of Captain George Martin and sailed with Baker's Squadron on the Dutch coast.

[19] This article includes data donated from the National Maritime Museum Warship Histories project