The Elswoud was part of the Dutch squad in the British-Dutch fleet during the Battle of Beachy Head (10 July 1690). The Dutch squad formed the vanguard and took the heaviest blows during the battle. The Elswoud was heavily damaged and her captain, Adriaan Noortheij, died in the fighting. The Elswoud and three other Dutch ships (Maagd van Enkhuizen, Tholen and Noord Holland) retreated to the English coast near Hastings to repair but they ran into the French division of the Marquis de Vilette-Mursey. To avoid being captured, the ships were beached and two of them, including the Elswoud, were set on fire by their crew son 13 July 1690. The crew of the Elswoud managed to escape to land.

Historicair

The route of the French fleet and the location of the battle.

Rijksmuseum

Engraving of the Battle, Rijksmuseum RP-P-OB-82.707

Typethird rate ship-of-the-line

Admiralilty of Amsterdam
Armament: 60 cannon

• Bender (2014).
  Dutch Warships in the Age of Sail 1600 - 1714.
• Slag bij Beachy Head.
• Historic England.
  Heritage Gateway.