Figureheads
Figureheads are magnificent things. Most of the world’s maritime museums boast several ranks of them, in a wide variety of styles, sizes...
The loss of HMS Crescent
HMS Crescent was a 36-gun Flora class frigate launched in 1784. She was one of a new breed armed with a main battery of 18 pounder...
Tattooing in the Navy
During the age of sail, seamen took great pride in maintaining a distinct appearance from mere landsman. Most refused to cut their hair,...
A Ship called Victory
HMS Victory is probably the most famous warship in the world, thanks to her association with Nelson’s death at Trafalgar and because she...
The Restless Life of William Dampier – Buccaneer, Explorer, Naturalist and Author
William Dampier was born near Yeovil in Somerset in 1651. Orphaned as a boy, he was apprenticed to a ship’s captain at 18 and sailed with...
The Age of Sail’s Pearl Harbour
In 1667 the English crown was in trouble. Charles II had only been restored to the throne seven years before and things were going from...