HMS Victory

naval history · wooden ships · British Navy · super old

A floating fortress. HMS Victory is a first-rate ship of the line with 104 guns, making her one of the most powerful warships ever built in wood. She could unleash an incredible amount of firepower in battles at sea.

Made from thousands of trees. It took 6,000 trees to build HMS Victory, and 90% of them were oak. That's a lot of wood to chop down and shape into a seaworthy ship!

Built during wartime. HMS Victory was ordered in 1758 during the Seven Years' War, but she wasn't actually finished and launched until 1765. By then, the war was already over, so she spent time just sitting in harbor.

Named for victory. The ship was named Victory in 1760 to celebrate British military wins that year, including important naval battles at Quiberon Bay and on land at Minden. These victories showed Britain was winning the war.

Still in service today. After nearly 250 years, HMS Victory is still officially in the Royal Navy, making her the oldest naval vessel still in commission anywhere in the world. She's a floating piece of history.