HMS "Imperieuse was a 38-gun fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy. Built in Ferrol, Spain, for the Spanish Navy she was launched as Medea in 1797. In 1804 she was part of a squadron carrying gold from South America to Spain that was seized by the British while Spain and Britain were at peace. "Medea" was subsequently taken into service with the Royal Navy and was briefly named HMS "Iphigenia before being renamed "Imperieuse" in 1805.