H.M.S. Warrior @ Portsmouth
HMS Warrior, launched in 1860, was a technological marvel of her time. As the world's first iron-hulled warship, she was larger, faster, and more heavily armored than any ship before her. Her impressive size and firepower made her a symbol of British naval supremacy and a deterrent to potential adversaries.
While Warrior's active service was relatively short, her impact was significant. She not only served as a powerful warship but also as a diplomatic tool, escorting royalty and touring British ports. Today, she stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Victorian era, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a reminder of Britain's maritime heritage.
HMS Warrior, once a symbol of British naval might, was eventually outclassed by newer, more powerful ships. By the late 19th century, she was relegated to various reserve roles, including a torpedo training ship and a refueling pontoon.
In the late 1970s, a major restoration effort began to return Warrior to her former glory. Underwritten by Sir John Smith, the goal was to return her to how she appeared between 1861 and 1864 on her first commission. £7 million and eight years later she was restored and towed from Hartlepool to her permanent home in Portsmouth Harbour.
More than 40 years later though work hasn’t stopped. The conservation team made up of riggers, shipkeepers, conservators, painters and more are constantly at work ensuring HMS Warrior is in top shape for the hundreds of thousands of visitors that see her every year. The ongoing conservation work ensures that this iconic ship will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.
( information from the Royal Navy Museum web page )
H.M.S. Warrior @ Portsmouth
HMS Warrior, launched in 1860, was a technological marvel of her time. As the world's first iron-hulled warship, she was larger, faster, and more heavily armored than any ship before her. Her impressive size and firepower made her a symbol of British naval supremacy and a deterrent to potential adversaries.
While Warrior's active service was relatively short, her impact was significant. She not only served as a powerful warship but also as a diplomatic tool, escorting royalty and touring British ports. Today, she stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Victorian era, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a reminder of Britain's maritime heritage.
HMS Warrior, once a symbol of British naval might, was eventually outclassed by newer, more powerful ships. By the late 19th century, she was relegated to various reserve roles, including a torpedo training ship and a refueling pontoon.
In the late 1970s, a major restoration effort began to return Warrior to her former glory. Underwritten by Sir John Smith, the goal was to return her to how she appeared between 1861 and 1864 on her first commission. £7 million and eight years later she was restored and towed from Hartlepool to her permanent home in Portsmouth Harbour.
More than 40 years later though work hasn’t stopped. The conservation team made up of riggers, shipkeepers, conservators, painters and more are constantly at work ensuring HMS Warrior is in top shape for the hundreds of thousands of visitors that see her every year. The ongoing conservation work ensures that this iconic ship will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.
( information from the Royal Navy Museum web page )