Dan Snow's History Hit The Origins of the Royal Navy
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Dec 15, 2025 Rob Smith, a knowledgeable London tour guide and local historian, dives into the fascinating origins of the Royal Navy. He discusses Henry VIII’s ambitions, leading to the grand naval dockyard at Woolwich and groundbreaking ships like the Henry Grace à Dieu. Discover tales of the skilled workforce behind Tudor shipbuilding, the dramatic rise and fall of naval power, and how infrastructure innovations paved the way for Britain’s maritime supremacy. Rob also shares intriguing anecdotes from Samuel Pepys’ inspections, making history come alive with vivid detail!
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Shipbuilding's Hidden Workforce
- Shipbuilding required many specialized trades: carpenters, caulkers, joiners, riggers, sailmakers and coopers, plus huge timber storage.
- Mass ponds and timber curing were essential to prevent warping of masts and ensure durability.
Forced Labour and Dockyard Perks
- Until 1702 Woolwich workers were impressed (forced) to work there and faced naval-style discipline, but they retained perks like breakfast breaks and 'chipping rights'.
- Disputes over illegal chipping persisted into the 1800s and shaped local labour relations.
A Ship That Sparked Political Backlash
- Charles I's expensive Sovereign of the Seas drove use of ship money taxation and helped fuel public anger that fed into the English Civil War.
- Naval extravagance thus had direct political and fiscal consequences on the kingdom.
