HMS Warrior

As a fairly small island nation, Britain has a strong seafaring past and continues to have a well-respected navy, one that was established as an official entity by King Henry VIII in 1546. Fast forward just over 300 years and the “technological marvel” in today’s picture was launched. In 1860 HMS Warrior was the world’s first iron-hulled warship and was larger, faster, and more heavily armoured than any warship that had come before her. Sadly her fame and service didn’t last long, and in 1875 she was placed in reserve before being paid off in 1883.

Warrior’s slide from glory was complete when in 1927 she became an oil jetty. However, her fortunes were renewed in 1979 when she was donated to The Maritime Trust for restoration, and she can now be seen at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. She has been lovingly restored to her former glory and gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the Victorian navy.

Fun Fact: In 1863 Warrior spent twelve weeks travelling around the UK, calling at different ports to allow members of the public to come aboard and see this wonderful new breed of warship. During that time around 300,000 visitors set foot on her decks, including as many as 13,000 a day when she was in port.

Thanks to Wikipedia and The National Museum of the Royal Navy for facts and figures.