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

After commissioning she spent her career in Home Waters with a foray to the Moroccan coast.

[2] She was ordered in the Second Batch of eight ships to be built under contract by Thomas Ellis of Shoreham.

[3] Commissioning in the Spring of 1695 under Captain Horatio Townsend, RN, who oversaw her fitting out in July 1695.

Commsnder John Parr, RN commanded her during 1708 through 1712 for service in the North Sea.