Nelson's Ghost

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Ever since I was a little kid, I have always dreamt of sailing the seas in a tall ship. Pirate movies, Hornblower, were all products I used to stimulate my imagination and dream of the vast empty spaces of the ocean. It was a romantic image of freedom to me. As an adult, and a historian, I have learned the truth of the hardships of life on the tall ships; the filthy conditions, the violent discipline, all contributing factors that made the sailors life on board hell. Oh yeah, and the sheer terror of the battle!

Today, HMS Victory sits in dry dock at Portsmouth Harbor. It is the oldest commisioned ship in the Royal Navy, but it is mostly a tourist destination and used for ceremonies. The vessel is the most famous sailing ship of the old age, and a wonderful piece of British engineering. I was awestruck when I saw it, and still to this day remains one of the greatest sites I have ever visited.

The ship can be visited year round, except that in the summer months you have to be part of a tour, too many people visiting. The interiors are small and cramped, but well worth a stroll through. The deck leaves you in a position to dream of those romantic (although brutsih) days, and the glory of the Royal Navy comes to life with the guides dressed the part.

I truly reccomend this trip to all, I have already done it twice!
Enjoy the pictures.

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Photos

HMS Victory
The bow of the ship in all its glory!

Nelson's Cabin
It's good to be the Admiral!

Crew Quarters
It's not so good being the sailor!

The Wheel
Yaar! Full ahead towards the French line!

The Bell
The heart of the ship of the line was the bell. Used to alert the crew, welcome a visiting dignitary, or to salute a fallen comrade.

HMS Victory
The Victory in all its glory....part 1.

HMS Victory
The Victory in all its glory....part 2. My camera wasn't good enough!

HMS Ark Royal
The Victory's heir.