History of the Royal Navy: Wooden Walls 1600-1805

2002

43min

Presented by HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York, this is an in-depth look back at centuries of British naval history. During the 17th century, the Royal Navy's codification of naval tactics in 'The Fighting Instructions' transformed naval battles into linear chess games on water. Superior French ship design and military training helped to free America, but a revolution in naval tactics saw Admiral Nelson triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar.