HMS Victory

Today we visited the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in particular to see HMS Victory. I've been meaning to visit for over a year and with our departure date looming it seems the perfect time to go.

Arriving at the dockyard we made our way to Victory; now in drydock. This impressive boat has been wonderfully restored and provides a unique opportunity to walk the decks to appreciate the epic battle of Trafalgar between Lord Nelson and Admiral Villeneuve. Of course James loved the cannon arrayed on three decks of Victory. With 100 guns it presented formidable broadside firepower. Something that Redoutable certainly appreciated from close quarters during battle.

The officers quarters at the stern reminded me of 17th century buildings as its facia was adorned with balustrade and ornate carving. It was errie to walk through Lord Nelson's quarters to see where he ate, slept, strategised, and entertained. We learnt that Victory - being a fighting ship first and foremost - had cannon lashed to the walls that could be made ready at a moments notice to be wheeled into position to either fire from the stern (a vulnerable position) or from either side of the ship.

We spend time walking the various decks including the magazines and dry stores. The design is remarkably elaborate. Up on Quarterdeck we saw the Captain's quarters and wheelhouse. There, on the exposed deck in front of the wheel, was a plaque that signifies the spot that Nelson was mortally wounded from a shot by a French marksman during the Battle of Trafalgar.

We also toured HMS Warrior - the world's first iron-hulled armoured warship. She is powered both by sail and by steam. Below deck we walked amongst two towering rows of boilers.

To finish the day we took a boat tour of the Portsmouth harbour. The highlight for me was see HMS Illustrious and Ark Royal - two of Britain's three aircraft carriers.

Photos are here. I'll post a video shortly.