| Feature | Metric Unit | Imperial Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 69.34 m | 227 ft 6 in |
| Length of gun deck | 56.69 m | 186 ft |
| Keel length | 46.10 m | 151 ft 3 in |
| Beam | 15.80 m | 51 ft 10 in |
| Draught | 8.76 m | 28 ft 9 in |
| Hold depth | 6.55 m | 21 ft 6 in |
| Height (waterline to masthead) | 62.50 m | 205 ft |
| Sail area | 5,440 m² | 6,510 sq yd |
| Displacement | 3,556 t | 3,500 long tons |
| Tonnage (Burthen) | ca. 2,177 t | 2,142 tons bm |
| Crew | ca. 850 men | ca. 850 men |
| Armament (1805) | 104 guns | 104 guns |
[1] Original ship plans, Chatham Dockyard, 1759-1765
The introduction of copper sheathing was one of the most significant technical innovations of the British Navy in the late 18th century. HMS Victory was fitted with copper sheathing during a major refit in Portsmouth between 1778 and 1780 as part of the Royal Navy's preparations for the American War of Independence.[2]
In the 18th century, wooden ships suffered from two serious problems: fouling of the hull by marine organisms and infestation by shipworm (Teredo navalis). Trials conducted by the Royal Navy showed that copper plating significantly reduced both problems. The frigate HMS Alarm was copper-plated in 1761, and by 1783, copper plating had become standard on important Royal Navy warships.[2]
After years in reserve, HMS Victory was in poor condition. During an extensive refit at Portsmouth (1778-1780), the ship was almost completely refurbished, including new copper plating below the waterline.[3] The plating consisted of approximately 3923 copper plates (4 feet long × 14 inches wide), fastened with copper nails to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Initial copper plating attempts caused electrochemical reactions with iron bolts, accelerating corrosion. The solution was using copper bolts and corrosion-resistant fastenings.[4] The current conservation project has documented numerous original copper bolts below the waterline, some up to three meters long.[4]
During the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory's armament consisted of 104 guns distributed across four decks:[5]
Lower gun deck: 30 × 32-pounders
Middle gun deck: 28 × 24-pounders
Upper gun deck: 30 × 12-pounders
Aft deck and forecastle: 12 × 12-pounders and 4 × 68-pounder carronades
Total:
30 heavy 32-pounders
28 24-pounders
42 12-pounders
4 carronades (68-pounders)
A broadside fired approximately 540 kg of iron shot. The 68-pounder carronades were particularly feared for their devastating effect at close range.
The 4 × 68-pounder carronades were the special feature of Victory's armament:
| Type | Shell Weight | Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-pounders | 31 kg | ~2,000 yards (~1,800 m) | Penetrating ship sides |
| 24-pounders | 24 kg | ~1,800 yards (~1,600 m) | Medium range |
| 12-pounders | 12 kg | ~1,500 yards (~1,350 m) | Upper deck (against masts/rigging) |
| Factor | Long Guns | Carronades | Overall Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | long range | short range | Flexibility - effective at all distances |
| Destructive Power | high | very high | Maximum effect in close combat |
| Rate of Fire | moderate | very fast | Fast, concentrated fire |
| Use | Long-range combat | Close combat | Tactical advantage |
Historical Sources
The 32-pounders, 24-pounders, and 12-pounders were cast at the Royal Gun Foundry Woolwich Arsenal[6], while the 68-pounder carronades were manufactured by the Carron Company in Falkirk, Scotland[7]. The Carron Company began supplying the Royal Navy in 1779. The carronades were particularly feared for their devastating effect at close range (under 500 yards).[8] Their short barrel and low weight enabled faster reloading and greater stability at sea.[9]
Probably the color scheme of HMS Victory in 1765
The HMS Victory did not receive its famous black-and-ochre checkered pattern (Nelson Chequer) just before Trafalgar, but rather gradually in the years leading up to it. Historians believe this scheme became widespread in the Royal Navy starting in the 1790s. It made it easier to identify friendly ships and was adopted by many ships of the line.
It is documented that HMS Victory was repainted during her major refit from 1800 to 1803[10].
When she returned to service in 1803 and later became Nelson's flagship, she already bore a form of the black-ochre color scheme. Before Trafalgar in 1805, the paintwork was touched up several times, but the basic scheme was already in place.
Purpose of the various anchors:
The bower anchors (port and starboard) served as main anchors for secure mooring in deep water or strong winds.
The sheet anchor was a reserve for emergencies.
The Kedge Anchor was used for precise maneuvers, while the Stream Anchor was for temporary mooring in shallow waters.
| Name | Intended Use | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bower Anchor (Port) | Main anchor | ~55,115.57 lbs (~25,000 kg) | Length: ~177.165 in (~4.5 m) Width: ~165.354 in (~4.2 m) |
| Bower Anchor (Starboard) | Main anchor | ~55,115.57 lbs (~25,000 kg) | Length: ~177.165 in (~4.5 m) Width: ~165.354 in (~4.2 m) |
| Sheet Anchor | Reserve anchor | ~4,409.25 lbs (~2,000 kg) | Length: ~165.354 in (~4.2 m) Width: ~74.8031 in (~1.9 m) |
| Kedge Anchor | Maneuvering anchor | ~1,102.31 lbs (~500 kg) | Length: ~98.4252 in (~2.5 m) Width: ~47.2441 in (~1.2 m) |
| Stream Anchor | Temporary mooring | ~661.38 lbs (~300 kg) | Length: ~78.7402 in (~2.0 m) Width: ~39.3701 in (~1.0 m) |
[11] Admiralty anchor specifications, late 18th century
As a First Rate ship carrying 100 guns, HMS Victory was equipped with principal anchors and their associated anchor cables according to Admiralty Establishments. These were among the largest and most technically demanding ropeworks for the Royal Navy.[12]
The anchor cables were manufactured from high-quality hemp as heavy cable-laid ropes, consisting of three substantial strands laid in the opposite direction to the yarns. This construction provided strength, elasticity, and resistance to shock loading. After manufacture, cables were treated with Stockholm tar to prevent moisture damage.
Admiralty Establishments for First Rate ships specified:
| Item | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Circumference | 24 inches |
| Diameter | ~7.64 inches (19.4 cm) |
| Length | 100 fathoms (~183 meters/600 feet) |
| Material | Hemp |
| Construction | Three-strand cable-laid rope |
A cable of this size weighed several tons and required specialized equipment and considerable manpower for handling.
Anchor cable manufacture was carried out in Royal Dockyard ropehouses, among Britain's largest industrial establishments during the Georgian period. The process involved:[13]
The principal source for many ships at Portsmouth was the Royal Dockyard Rope House, a structure over 1,000 feet long enabling manufacture of exceptionally long cables in a single operation. Given Victory's long association with Portsmouth, many replacement cables were likely manufactured there.
The Royal Dockyard at Chatham had a similarly important ropewalk and supplied large quantities of cordage and anchor cables. Production methods were governed by the same Admiralty regulations as at Portsmouth.
HMS Victory carried several classes of anchors: Best Bower, Small Bower, Sheet, and Stream Anchors. The heaviest cables were assigned to the principal bower anchors. When weighing anchor, a continuous messenger cable was used with nippers to attach the anchor cable, allowing it to be drawn aboard progressively as the capstan revolved. The operation required large working parties - over 100 men might be employed at the capstan bars in difficult conditions.
The most important dimensions are known from contemporary British Admiralty regulations and reconstructions.[14]
The largest ropes on board were the hemp anchor cables.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of main cables | 6 |
| Length per cable | ~600 ft = 183 m |
| Circumference | 24 inches = 61 cm |
| Diameter | ~7.6-8 inches = 19-20 cm |
| Weight per cable | ~4.5 tons |
| Material | Tarred hemp |
The two main anchors weighed 2-4.5 tons each. Hauling in required up to 144 men at the capstans.
The standing rigging held the masts firmly and consisted of tarred black hemp.
| Rope | Circumference | Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Main Stay | 27-30 inches | 22-24 cm |
| Fore Stay | 24-26 inches | 19-21 cm |
| Main Shrouds | 21-24 inches | 17-19 cm |
| Topmast Shrouds | 15-18 inches | 12-14 cm |
| Topgallant Shrouds | 10-12 inches | 8-10 cm |
The Ropery at the former Royal Dockyard in Chatham was one of the most important sites for the British Navy. Built between 1786 and 1791[15], the building is approximately 346 meters (over 1,100 feet) long - necessary to produce long ship's ropes in a single piece.
A ship of Victory's size required about 31 miles (~50 km) of rope for rigging, anchors, and running gear. The ropes for Victory were made in Chatham, and the rope-making workshop still supplies rope for restoration work today. The Ropery is still in operation, considered the last originally preserved naval rope-making workshop in Great Britain.
The company Master Ropemakers continues to produce ropes using traditional methods for historic ships, theatres, film productions, and other specialist applications. Some production still uses Victorian-era machinery. Visitors can tour the Rope Walk and watch the rope makers at work.