A Brief History of HMS Victory

Chatham Dockyard

Designed by Sir Thomas Slade in 1759, HMS Victory carries more than a hundred guns and hundreds of years of fascinating history. Best known as the famed flagship of Admiral Horatio Nelson,

Hammock History

February 22, 2026October 13, 2016 by Erica

Hammock History: From Jungle Origins to Naval Tradition

For centuries, the hammock has provided sailors with a practical and ingenious sleeping solution below deck. Easily rigged and stowed, a hammock is a simple structure made from fabric or netting suspended between two fixed points.

Scurvy

February 21, 2026December 10, 2015 by Erica

Scurvy: The Disease That Haunted Sailors

What Is Scurvy?

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

It is characterised by swollen, bleeding gums, fatigue, poor wound healing, and the reopening of previously healed wounds.

Rum Rations

February 24, 2026November 12, 2015 by Erica

Rum Rations: The Royal Navy’s Daily Tot of Rum

Rum rations were the daily amount of rum (known as a “tot”) issued to sailors serving on Royal Navy ships. The practice dates back to the 17th century and became one of the most enduring traditions in naval history.