I hope you enjoy the video, and thanks to the National Museum of the Royal Navy for all their help. Find out about visiting HMS Victory at www.historicdockyard.co.uk. We'll have Part 2 of this series in a few weeks, in which we cover various aspects of sailing, fighting and living aboard a Napoleonic ship-of-the-line.
I can appreciate the amount of effort put into historic accuracy. Not only showing terms I already know from years of seamanship but also terms I’d never heard before from the days of old. A first rate documentary for a first rate ship of the line!
Agreed, another superb piece of historical documentary. Epic History keeps knocking these out of the park, and i'm very pleased to see them continue the Napoleon era theme!
I went to Portsmouth just to see this beauty, I also saw HMS Warrior, but Victory truly takes you breath away. How could people even build something like this without modern technology just humbles me. HMS Queen Elizabeth was there too that day, so I actually got the chance to admire her from Atop Victory.
I saw Warrior too during a port call while in the US Navy. We were there for 4 days, and I got to see quite a bit of the dockyards and the ship itself. It was an amazing experience to see such a ship, still so well preserved.
I live here in pompey, you can spend a week here and still not see all the naval history in the area. The dockyard, the d day museum, the submarine museum, the royal armouries.. the list goes on. Never gets boring.
The music alone is worth switching on for. All I could think of during the early theme of this video was Charles Nove’s voice booming, “Napoleon had taken on an enemy army almost twice his size, & beaten it four times in just six days.” You guys know what I’m talking about.
Schools continue because they are businesses or serve to indoctrinate the masses such as to believe patriotic lies. That is their true purpose. They are obsolete.
In 1991 I was USAF reserve in England during the Gulf war. I stood on the decks of the Victory. When I stood on the deck where Nelson was shot and the deck below where he died I knew I'd experienced a profound sense of history.
I knelt and touched the brass plaque. Nelson had one eye and one arm both battle wounds his strategy was to cut the line. This meant a line of ships would normally just lob broadsides at each other. Nelson attacked in a perpendicular fashion allowing British ships to fire at the bows and sterns the least defended and weakest point of the ship. The British would fire two broadsides as they passed between two ships sending cannonballs down the length of the enemy ships. Horrific mayhem destroying guns and gun crews yet leaving the masts and sails intact so the ship could be taken as prize.
@@julianwaugh8221 you missed out the worst part of this, to perform this strategy the 2 lines of Royal Navy ships had to sail directly into the broadside of the enemy ships, taking fire as they approached at less than 10mph for some time before their own guns came to bear
I toured the Victory years ago, and it was magnificent! I so clearly remember standing at the site of Nelson's death, and being completely choked up. And I'm American! The history of this ship and her crew is simply awe inspiring. And the Historical Dockyard itself is amazing as well!
@grene1955 That is a lovely comment. i am lucky, i get to visit the dockyard four or five times a year, and i love the place, it is nice to know that you enjoyed it too, thank you.
The HMS victory looks so fearsome and intimidating with all of its sails out at 10:33. The fact that the total area of the sails were the size of a football pitch astonishes me.
Wow, as a retired US sailor, history lover, and naval history enthusiast this is one of the best documentary videos I have seen on RUclips. This is one when it ended I was sorry it was over.
DONT believe all England histories and British storytellers. “Abraham Lincoln” Spain navy were much better. France army was much stronger. The Pirates: Irish and British’s
I toured HMS Victory in 1995 on a US Navy port visit. . The crew assigned as tour guides were very knowledgeable about the ship and all the little details of items aboard the ship. I got to visit with them after tours were over for the day at thier private pub. We traded information on our navies history and traditions. Will not forget the moment.
@@spookyt8692 That private bar was the cheapest. They would not allow me to buy anything. I did give several of them a tour on the USS Eisenhower and my squadron aircraft the next day, loaded them up with ship and squadron trinkets. Great experience. One of the highlights of my 20 year career in the US Navy.
My last job in the Navy in 2008 was bosuns mate on board Victory. Spent 6 months on there doing both day and night watches. At night I was the only one awake on board having to do hourly rounds. I can honestly say it was the most surreal and awe-inspiring draft I had in the time I spent in the navy. Walking round alone on board at 3am was both enthralling and terrifying. I was lucky enough to walk and sit amongst history... from the orlop deck to Nelsons grand cabin. It inspired be to read history at University when I left the RN and become a teacher. Truly blessed to have had such an amazing job.
I just got all emotional, thinking about having the privilege of walking around Victory, of looking after her alone, at night, i'm like you, i also would find it a bit terrifying. i envy you Sir. Thank you for looking after one of our National Treasures.
Outstanding. One of the finest presentations of its kind that I've ever seen. The detail, animation and narration were all superior. A fascinating look into another world.
Agreed. There is another channel that did a 3D render of this same ship with even more detail. The video is called "How an 18th Century Sailing Battleship Works". It's a fantastic addendum to this video.
@@Metal0sopher Yeah the channel name is Animagraffs, I actually came to this video after watching theirs. Both of them are really well made and detailed. They've put a lot of work into it.
I saw HMS victory in Portsmouth, must be about over 10 years ago and being on there with the history and gravitas was breathtaking!! So happy it's getting restored to keep it alive for futurr generations to learn about first hand rather than in a book.
@@sizzler2462 yes when I was there 20 years ago I was blown away when a guide told me that almost all of the ship had been replaced piece by piece over the years and none of the present wood had been at the battle of Trafalgar.
I thought I understood the power of the RN and the significance of Trafalgar. But that one line was astonishing. "One broadside from Victory packs more iron than all Wellington's guns at Waterloo. I had to rewind to be sure I heard it right. There's a reason that Nelson's is the only statue that looks Parliament straight in the eye.
It's a logistical issue. Hauling the same number of guns across land requires draft animals to pull the guns, draft animals to pull the powder, draft animals to pull the shot, draft animals to pull the fodder for all the draft animals pulling everything else, draft animals to pull the food and supplies for all the extra soldiers guarding the draft animals. An army can only get so large before it becomes immobile, needing all available supply just to keep it in place. Ships were, funnily enough, the absolute best use of your cannon in terms of logistical ease.
Brits won at Trafalgar because the Napoleonic forces were controlled by masons who colluded with the British, granting them the victory. Anyone who believes this PG Disneyesque Brit-supremacist version of history is naive. Napoleon and Hitler were Templars (which became masons), so they weren't actually serving their country's interests each. They were actors whose theatre of war was of a double meaning. That's why Hitler, the guy who wore a Templar cross 'cause he was a Templar, let the Brits escape at Dunkirk. Only a fool would believe he did that "to be nice." They invaded Russia to destroy their countries. They intended to lose. France got streamrolled by Nazis becasuse they let them (the higher ranks opened the gates, so to speak). Again, only children believe the government lies about history. My series on the overrated, 2nd biggest empire, of the Brits, proves what I say.
These are the type of videos that make you sit down, grab a snack, and enjoy like your watching a new episode of your favorite TV show. Great quality as always guys!
I absolutely LOVED this doc on HMS Victory. As a life-long sailor, and fan of Lord Nelson I fulfilled a dream by touring Victory. Still, this video taught me how much I missed while doing the self guided tour! Kudos! 🇨🇦
I was assigned to the HS-7 Dusty Dogs while we were onboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman when we pulled into Portsmouth, England back in 2003. Went onboard the H.M.S. Victory numerous times. Once in my Dress Blues.
This is really fantastic. The level of detail, the art, and animations, the narration. We're so lucky to have access to such high-quality documentaries, thank you for making this.
DONT believe all England histories and British storytellers. “Abraham Lincoln” Spain navy were much better. France army was much stronger. The Pirates: Irish and British’s
@@rodrigomoreira9237 Is that why the English Frigate sank more Spanish Galleons than what the Galleons could sink, which the Spanish stop using them because they were easy targets for the much faster Frigate before the start of 1800s, also Spain was a conquered country by Napoleon, and the agreement that was made between Spain and France split Spain, with many taking to the hills and fighting the French, the French and its allies out numbered the British Troops in Spain and Portugal, but still lost in Spain
@@southerneruk We can't forget that Portugal had the fastest ships. even because the British and French had never captured one single ship from Portugal. But your point of view is good.
The first time I heard Epic History TV state this line I thought "The Whale and the Elephant" would be an interesting title for a book on Anglo-French relations.
Me, 19 years old french living in the south of France loving history and especially naval sail warfare, dream to visit this beauty. The only true ship of it's age, a legendary ship. Authentic. To be where Nelson was, to touch a cannon that is 200 years old. Simply a dream. Unbelievable. This ship must be eternal. (even thougt I would have preferred to see it in the depth of the seas at Trafalgar ahaha)
Dude, for you to visit England, it's a short train ride (or plane ride). For me to visit, I'd have to cross two oceans, or 3 continents (for some reason, there aren't any flights across the pacific from Australia to England). Just save for a month and you're there.
I went to see her a few years ago, so exciting to feel the centuries old atmosphere as though you were breathing the same air as Nelson. But there were many other great ships, often built by your ancestors in Nantes and Toulon. Also, the Americans were beginning to make great ships, of oak so thick that cannon balls bounced off. Of course Nelson was a man apart, so bold and aggressive, and Trafalgar was his masterpiece and epitaph. Anyway, HMS Victory awaits you in Portsmouth Dock! Vous serez le bienvenu.
The house I live in was build by Commander Richard Clark who was a Midshipman on HMS victory in 1782 shortly before becoming a Lt. During his long RN career on many ships he was captured and imprisoned twice by the French in sea battles and later served in the defensibles in South Devon where he built the house. He later retired to Cornwall and died at the ripe old age of 82. Amazing life!
I've lived in Portsmouth for 63 of my 65 years. Only been on the Victory once for my Auntie's retirement party. I've just learnt more in 28 mins than a lifetime living within a short distance of this great ship.
I've always known that these ships were massive and advanced. But, I'd never imagined it was this advanced. Everything on the ship is thought out, like keeping lights away from powder, the fact that the rooms can be torn down to make room for the guns. It's honestly humbeling to learn all of this.
I agree. It’s easy to forget that just because technology didn’t advance as fast as it does today, doesn’t mean the people were any less intelligent. With what they had, they were just as thought-out and creative! Not to mention that in 200 years, people will likely say the same about us…
@@Esork1 If we are on the same trajectory as we are now, in 200 years most people will be a peasant / slave class with only a few extremely wealthy globalists who shut down all dissent and thought - stagnating society. 200 years from now looks abysmal - if humanity even exists after the NATO push for nuclear war
Toured HMS VICTORY with a group of friends from the United States in December 2019. A mixed group of Retired Marines and active Police Officers with the exception of me, a retired USN Chief Warrant Officer. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We received a personal tour provided by the Executive Officer of HMS VICTORY and at the conclusion of the tour, we shared a toast of Pusser's Rum to the Queen with the XO, several crew members and a large group of the HMS VICTORY Preservation Society in the Admiral's Mess. It was the experience of a lifetime, only equaled by my experience setting foot on and touring USS CONSTITUTION.
Having read, re-read and re-read all of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin novels, I have developed a keen interest in these ships. This video has brought one of the best alive! Thanks!
THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH PATRICK BRIANS NOVELS ( IM TRYING TO GET THREW THE FIRST NOVEL), IS THAT ITS HARD TO FOLLOW AND UNDERSTAND BECAUSE OF THE NAUTICAL TERMS OF ITS TIME, DIFFICULT FOR MOST I WOULD SAY !!
@@rogervonschleusingen4603 I'm at book 14. You'll get used to it. You of course don't need to understand every little thing, the precision nonetheless adds to the experience.
Perfect! Instead of watching a documentary telling us somewhat about the ship in a somewhat half hearted or vague manner you have gone far more in depth and really took the time to show us and explain to us in a very interesting and informative way the ins and outs here and even took the time to show me starboard and port etc as I always forget that lol. Awesome job, I will donate my thanks if that is a thing on this video ❤️
Man that was so cool, and just amazing to see you break down each room, each rope, each anchor, and each gun. I cannot imagine the amount of work it took. Please know we thank you immensely for your great work and passion
To give you an idea of how Brilliant Victory’s design was the succeeding Caledonia class of First rate used her as a starting point. The Caledonia class were ordered in 1827 while Victory was ordered in 1758. That’s like people using the Gloster Meteor from WW2 as their start point for designing a modern jet fighter. Or using a pre dreadnought battleship as the basis for a WW2 battleship design Or using the last standard issue Lee Enfield rifles as the start point for designing the British army’s new infantry weapon. While technology was moving slower back then so its not entirely a fair comparison it gives you some idea how potent Victory’s design was.
Victory whas as well the worlds fastest 1st rate, able to reach ~10+knots as a hobby sailor myself I find this Incredible for a ship with such wide beam and deep draft. I,ve sailed on a dutch flute as a climber-boy. But seeing a sailing victory whould be a sight to behold let alone being in the mast
@@loekstrobbe626 she was/is magnificent of course , but the 74 gun ship of the line, proved to be the best compromise . And it was a French design originally.
I was born in Portsmouth and toured the Victory several times as a kid. This is the first picture I've seen of it running downwind, with all sails hoisted. Amazing!
This is so cool. The fact that it housed almost a thousand men and was massive, a floating castle, is extraordinary to me. I can just imagine walking through it while it cuts through the sea and men going about their tasks with the smell of ocean and wet wood.
@@Garchist I’m so sorry to do this, but your statement about the ocean not having a smell is ridiculous my friend. It absolutely has a smell. “This pungent gas is what gives ocean air "sort of a fishy, tangy smell," said study author Andrew Johnston of the University of East Anglia. But while "it was known that quite a lot of bacteria could [produce DMS], no one had thought to ask how," Johnston told LiveScience.Feb 1, 2007” And “dimethyl sulfide It's summertime, and for many of us, that means the beach. It is impossible to be a beach dweller and not notice the unique and wonderful smell of the ocean. By all means, take a deep breath. But what you're smelling is actually a fairly hideous chemical called dimethyl sulfide.Jul 20, 2021”
@@nooneimportant460 The very thing that you bringing so far stretched unpopular theories only proves my point. Besides, it's not my point, but one I heard from a professional seaman. I know sea has some smell - but that only close to shore, and it's not sea, but mix of dead weeds and stuff washed ashore. In the open sea there is no smell.
@@Garchist smh…. Whatever you say man. I too have been to open sea. It has a smell. I’m not going to argue with someone who’s reply is “bro trust me”. Ocean air has a smell. If you don’t think so fine. But I can provide endless sources saying otherwise. Have a nice life. Not going to argue, nothing I say or provide will you ever even consider. You have already made up your mind and there is no changing it. I wish you all the best in life
@@nooneimportant460 I didn't made up my mind, I'm not that dull. In fact you now partially changed it. If you have been to open sea and do insist it has smell - I will add it to my understanding of the question. It's just explaining it through chemical formulas makes it sound as if it doesn't have smell one can describe with human words. And I watch one ex-captain on YT who once said open sea don't have smell, so that makes me think it either has none or it's so thin that it practically doesn't matter. I only was near sea some time, and can say I had two experiences - on calm weather there is no smell and just something more of washed ashore stuff giving it.. but on one very windy day there was very fresh and delightful smell "of the sea" but I don't fully understand how it works and why it only felt on that windy day. So based on your answer I'll add to my understanding that there is something.. although I still don't fully understand what exactly it is, is it different then ashore and does it always there? And if it even differs from one ashore.
This is a legendary channel. One of the few I have notifications on for because I know every video is extremely high quality and extensively researched.
DONT believe all England histories and British storytellers. “Abraham Lincoln” Spain navy were much better. France army was much stronger. The Pirates: Irish and British’s
The quality of this production is as good as I’ve ever seen in this genre. As for the subject itself, I’m stunned at the level of design sophistication and engineering. What an amazing vessel!
Great documentary with great graphics. I travelled halfway around the world to step aboard and explore HMS Victory and still treasure the memory of it.
A beautiful presentation, using correct terms etc. with accurate detail of the ship, from hull structure to the rigging. Maybe the best documentary I ever watched relating to the wonderful era.
I had the privilege of being a guide on the Victory when I was in the Royal Navy. We actually lived on the Victory, our mess was fwd on the main gun deck. I slung a hammock for my time on her. This unique experience gave me a continuing interest in historic ships.
Amazing! I worked on Victory in 2018 for a couple of weeks testing different methods of removing lead-based paint on historic ships. Her cradle system is impressive to say the least!
HMS Victory was the first warship I ever fell in love with and I had the opportunity to visit her when I was in Portsmouth. I am really happy to see this channel go in depth in such a beautiful vessel, looking forward to part two of this.
@@487409c I've seen the Constitution and it was nice. Ill see the Victory one of these days. The ship that does it for me is the one my grandfather helped build: USS Enterprise CVN-65
@@487409c fantastic day out, they let you keep your ticket for a year! Mary Rose exhibit is incredible, then Victory, then Warrior are the three main ships. The comparison between Victory and Warrior from about 50 years after Trafalgar is fascinating. Then there's a massive museum including one of Victory's shot ridden sails, Nelson's dress coat, a panorama painting of the battle, there's a couple of other small military vessels and an interactive exhibit for the kids. Oh and it includes a harbour tour where if you're lucky you'll see some of the navy ships. I got a photo of Victory next to HMS Hermes and Fearless in the 80's.
By far the thing that most blows my mind about these ships is the sheer size. They don't sound that huge today but back then the largest man made structure on earth was 120m tall. It's highly likely that for 99% of the people to ever see the Victory, she was by far the largest man-made structure they would ever see in their lives
Given most homes would be about 2 stories high (maybe 3) a 3 gun deck ship would tower over them, then add in the masts and it would be like looking at a sky scarper.
@Aqua Fyre Aircraft carrier in WW2 is nothing. Britain built only 10 1st rates in the entire 18th century. It is similar to that of the Kirov for Russia or US Supercarriers today.
One of the best informational films I have ever seen. Visually and spatially clear with each idea narrated and shown graphically beautifully. No wasted words and many topics covered with efficiency and precision. Great job!
HMS Victory's lucky break from her intended fate was because of the loss of another 1st rate ship. Since it'd take too long to build another 1st rate ship and you couldn't rely on luck of capturing an enemy ship, the Royal Navy overhauled Victory back into a 1st rate ship, which as stated was very costly and required many new additions/modifications to be done.
I just started reading Master & Commander and this video couldn't be better timed. Even with me googling a lot of the terms the books are a confusing mess of naval and ship terms at times. This video was invaluable for helping me visualise this now. Amazing effort and work done by the whole team here. As cool as the Ships of the Line were, there were many other ships as well. I think a video doing quick comparisons between ship types would be excellent too.
I had the pleasure of visiting HMS Victory in 1998 when I joined the Royal Navy I also visited the submarine museum and HMS Alliance they both left me awe inspired.
We visited HMS Victory 10 years ago, also HMS Warrior .the Mary Rose and the WW 2 submarine in one day. A memorable experience. We also visited the naval rope works and the Cutty Sark at Chatham also to be recommended. Our guide told us that British practiced to where they could load and fire their guns at twice the rate of the French
Thank you to everyone for this really excellent video about the most famous ship in the world. It has confirmed my wish to go to see her yet again. Charles Nove's commentary is clear, concise and informative.
Wow. Just... wow. This has to be the most comprehensive guide to the inner workings of a warship in the age of sail. I've watched and read a lot about these behemoths, and still learned something I did not yet know, all the way throughout this video. Thank you!
HMS Victory, a piece of living history! It's a dream of mine to visit Portsmouth and witness this marvel with my own eyes: must be a humbling experience. As a Spaniard, I always had a great deal of respect and admiration for admiral Nelson and his flagship. Great video, I enjoyed it very much!
@valeqsi463 I hope you can manage to visit the Dockyard some time. You will be very welcome. I am lucky, i manage to visit the dockyard five or six times a year, when i was on Victory last year one of the guides i spoke to was a young Spanish lady, she really loved Victory. When you do come over, you should allow for at least two days to see everything.
Masterful... Epic History TV should be the example of how to do literally everything... so well organized and executed. Looking forward to the next episode!
This brought back some memories. Way back in the late 60s in my final year at school, I did a project on the life of Admiral Lord Nelson - which involved a lot of enjoyable research. Of course HMS Victory played a big part in my project and ever since I have had a soft spot for that great ship. My first visit to it was in 1966 and I have been on it 3 times since. This video brings it to life again. It is another experience to be given a tour, with all the detail, without having to walk up and down the various decks.
Amazing work everyone. This is probably the best all around primer for a Napoleonic era Man O’ War I’ve seen and I know it will be useful bringing lubbers into the fold. Thank you for making it and I honestly can’t wait for part 2.
This video is magnificent. I have NEVER seen such a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the structure of an old battleship. I am particularly grateful for the description of the naval lingo of the time. Regards!!!
Shes Amazing and we are so lucky to still have her . Makes me a little sad to think of what happened to another great ship HMS IMPLACABLE. A third rate 74 gun ship of the line Fought in the battle of trafalgar originally she was French captured by the English survived first World War and the 2nd World War to be taken out to the solent in 1949 and flying the french tricolour and Union flag to be unceremoniously blown up with charges and sent to the sea bed . How could the navy do that . Gone forever
Like their Castle construction video, I really like these topics that are not about events & battles per se, but about the engines & constructs that informed the battles & time.
One of the biggest difference between the French and British ships was in the quality of the gun crews. British crews could on avarege fire off the gun every 90 seconds. An outstanding crew would fire every 60 seconds. Compare that to French crews that would fire of the guns every 3-5 minutes. Not to mention that the French used an old fuse firing system that lead to less accuracy, since the two or so seconds it took from the fuse being lit to the gun firing could mean the ship drifted off target. British guns used a more modern flint lock firing mechanism that worked the same as a musket, meaning the delay from pulling the trigger to the gun firing was almost non-existent. I assume that's what was hinted at the end of the video. All around stellar documentary. As someone who has loved to read about age of sail naval warfare, I can't wait for part two! :)
The figures for the Spanish and French fleets are not accurate. British ships could fire faster, but not 5 or 6 times faster. Even though they were better trained, there is a physical limit on the fire rate, which is the time that must elapse in order to cool off before putting more gunpowder. The Combined Fleet lost due to many factors, only one of which was the training and the speed of fire. Spanish navy commanders were generally on par with their British counterparts, but the economic situation of Spain was dire, so most of the sailors were obtained through conscription as there was not enough money to pay them. And because of the British blockade, there was no chance of training them at sea either. Also, it can be argued that the Spanish commanders hated the French more than the British and did not respect Villeneuve due to his abysmal leadership in the battle of Finisterre which saw a few of the Spanish ships of the line captured when they could have achieved victory if supported by the French. French naval commanders were inept because France had lost its Naval tradition with the Revolution. The only merit of Villeneuve before Trafalgar was being able to save a few ships from destruction in the battle of the Nile. Underfunded and under command of an inept admiral, the Combined Fleet spent most of its time at port with no chance of sailing and improving its crew's skills. Also, the size of the Spanish and French fleets could not compete with the Royal Navy, which made its commanders more cautious. Nelson could afford to lose ships at Trafalgar, but Spain and France could not. Thus, the allied fleets tried always to place themselves in the leeward position in order to escape if possible. The direction of the wind made their ships tilt and fire to the masts and sails of the British ships, while these could fire at the hull of the Allied ships. That, combined with the fact that the British had more first rates at Trafalgar than the French and Spanish, which allowed them to fire from a deck higher, gave them the advantage at the battle. Spanish and French ships tended to be better designed than their British counterparts, but that difference was slight. Also, worth mentioning is Villeneuve's clumsy U-turn at the beginning of the battle and the lack of support of Dumenoir's vanguard to the main body of the Combined Fleet. The Spanish and French were extremely brave to fight the British under these circumstances, but the conditions made the chance of victory very remote.
I wrote this a few years back as a folk song - Victory at Trafalgar I joined my ship the Victory, the finest ever seen A new recruit from Chatham, a proud Royal Marine We sailed down to Cadiz in Spain, blockading Villeneuve Napoleon planned invasion - we blocked his opening move We had Englishmen and Scotsmen, the Welsh and Irish too Men from far America, and more in Victory's crew The oldest man was fifty five, the youngest just fourteen Eight hundred and twenty men, both sailors and Marines October the twenty-first, eighteen hundred and five Villeneuve fled to the south, hoping to survive We had twenty seven ships, the enemy six more We gave chase and caught them just off Cape Trafalgar's shores We smashed the Frenchie flagship, reduced her to a wreck But guns from ships on either side brought death home to our decks Huge splinters torn from English oak, thrown up by grape and shot Would render loss of life or limb for victims like as not Fifty seven men were killed, one hundred and two hurt sore Fighting half a dozen ships, no other crew lost more Rigging tangled ruin, our steering shot away Shattered woodwork, toppled guns, were yet the least we'd pay The Admiral on the quarterdeck, sharpshooters marked him well A French Marine took careful aim and brave Lord Nelson fell A musket ball through chest and spine would end his bold career With famous victories to his name, this man French sailors feared I was badly wounded too and taken down below They put me near where he was laid so his last words I know 'A smashing victory' he heard, the Captain at his side 'I did my duty', Nelson said, then breathed his last and died Freedom calls for sacrifice and sacrifice for pain The butchers bill the battle's price, the cost in good men slain A nation's heroes fell that day, those men both great and small Each man in good company with those who gave their all Said Shakespeare's tale of Henry, of Agincourt and pride Men abed that day would curse the glory they're denied Much the same he'd say of these, the men of Nelson's fleet Of Bonaparte's invasion plans, and Villeneuve's defeat
Surprising how enormous it is for a wooden ship once you get inside, and (weirdly) how much more modern and practical it seems for the age compared with wooden ships you see ion movies. The whole Postmouth Historical Dockyard is amazing as they have the remains of the Tudor flagship Mary Rose with a whole museum of archaeological finds from the wreck and the Iron hulled HMS Warrior too. Many of the old boat and rigging sheds are there still. You couldn't do the whole thing in a day. Two or three days is perfect, much recommended.
I simply love the detailed demonstration of the ship's parts like the sails, the rigging and everything else regarding seamanship. As a total landlubber who is fascinated by the age of sail, I seriously appreciate that. Thank you! It would also be amazing to see similar videos regarding smaller ship types like frigates, galleons, brigantines, barques and sloops. Aye, shiver me timbers!
I can't help feeling a little emotion at this beautiful ship. As always you guys at Epic History deliver such high quality and do this ship justice with your work! Carry on!
I Spent almost 50 years in aviation flying F-86, Mirage111,Phantom F4E, General Dynamics F 111C and some 24 years on all variants of the Boeing 747 as well as a host of General Aviation aircraft in Charter Ops. I can say my fondest memory ever was a personally guided tour of the Victory in dry Dock Portsmouth. A magnificent machine and almost impossible to comprehend life aboard in battle: All the crew were heroes. Thanks for a First Rate Video. Hope to return to Victory again one day.
Wow that's an epic career! It's people like you that should make a YT channel and record your memories and thoughts. Even just in audio if you don't want to be known, add to the history :)
Thank you so much for this, the most detailed description I have ever seen of HMS Victory. Fabulous ship and amazing work to preserve her over the decades, a real example of a fighting ship of the line and also sad that she is the only one left, as I understand that another ship of the same timeline was sunk deliberately as unwanted not so very many decades ago.
Crazy to think you can go and stand on the Victory in Portsmouth. There is no other ship like it. Everything older is a wreck excavated from land or lifted from the sea after they sunk and restored as much as they are able. Victory is the real deal. There are ships like it that are preserved as well like Independence however they are far younger.
I'm meant to be working, but watched a second of this and just watched the whole thing. Every second was so fascinating. I'm definitely going to visit the Victory next time I'm down in England.
The Aubrey/Maturin books by O'Brian were a great read and the movie did it great justice. I knew some of the terms but didn't know what a mizzen was exactly until today. Love this video like so many other Epic History videos. This must have been weeks of research.
I have read the O'Brian books a number of times and am now rereading the Hornblower series. Truly fascinating, and this vid gave me a new understanding of the working of these massive ships
A nice little touch in the animation is the Admiral's Flag. It flies from the fore topgallant, meaning the ship is commanded by a Vice-Admiral. In this case, a Vice-Admiral of the White, which is the rank held by Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar. Technically it should have a small red circle in the corner, but it's hard to tell if it does in the animation. Either way, as someone that spends a lot of time researching the Royal Navy of the 17th through early 20th century, I shall probably recommend this video to people looking for informative answers without having to watch a dozen Drachinifel videos, or read way too many books and look at way too many old photographs. Incredibly well done video.
I went and saw HMS Victory last year. The ship is absolutely amazing in person. I would recommend listening to the handheld audio guide, which tells the story of Battle of Trafalgar.
@@ZolaMagic25 I don't know if a lot of people are aware or not, I just like the way this channel does the videos and the ship is legendary, that's why I suggested it
In this modern day it's amazing to know that they made such massive ships with the use of intricate yet limited machines, and then went on to arm them with enough cannon to rival a small land fortress. I would give almost everything to see her and ships like her sail in formation imagine seeing them in their hay day, sails billowing, flags streaming, decks buzzing with activity.
What a beautiful and majestic ship. Those were true ships, ones with sails and made of wood. They facinate me . i would love to go on a journey upon one. What an experience that would be. The HMS Victory is more than a mere sailing ship , it is a work of art, a masterpiece. I love it !
If you'd ever do one for a relatively modern royal navy ship, I would love to see the HMS Warspite from the world wars. There isn't enough love around the platforms for her.
This video couldn't come at a better time! I recently started reading "Master and Commander" (first book of the Aubrey-Maturin series), having always loved the movie, liking videogames such as Assassin's Creed IV or Sea of Thieves, and generally just being fascinated by sailing ships and yachts. A series which to better understand - regarding history, period lingo and naval jargon - I got the "Sea of Words" and "Harbors and High Seas" companion books for. And while those are great, while there's a wealth of info on YT and Wikipedia, this video is a very welcome, fantastic and vital visual aid! The anatomy section is simply invaluable. Besides moreover simply being interesting like the rest of your videos. Duly thankful for it!
Noatak - if you (or anyone else) wants to read a superb book on Trafalgar, try "Trafalgar the men,the battle,the storm" by Tim Clayton & Phil Craig. This gives some excellent information, much of it from journals,letters etc. written at the time by those who took part. It is printed by Hodder & Stoughton.
Great to see this virtual tour and recognizing all the parts of the ship when I visited Victory in Portsmouth recently. Too bad the rigging wasn't really ready but hopefully in a few years when she's fully restored in her former glory she will look magnificent once the renovations are complete.
This has to be the most succinct, well written and presented information on the 'Golden Age of Sail' and a RN Ship of that Era, let alone a fantastic look at HMS Victory. This could easily be a primer for anyone interested in learning. Absolutely well done.
I got to tour this ship almost 30 years ago with my grandfather, and great uncle, Still have those photos and memories, though they are both gone. The Zippo lighter with the HMS Victory on it is still on a self in my Office. So impressive a ship.
I REALLY loved this video. Honestly, it ticked absolutely every box I could ever hope to want to know about, except for one... I would really have liked to know more about the sailing characteristics of HMS Victory. I mean, it's a square-rigged vessel with 3 masts, so I presume that its best point of sail is somewhere between running before the wind and a beam reach. Maybe a broad-beam reach? I guess it's not terribly important...
This is incredible. One of my first - and happiest - memories are my visits to Portsmouth naval dockyard as a very young child with my mum. I never imagined just how techinical this ship's design was. Magnificent ship and magnificent video
I have been on this ship in Aug 2022. Absolute amazing to be there and hear the voice and sounds of an audio guide and see these things live on board. A Must if you are in porthsmouth or south England. Thanks for this great video!
What a miracle of mankind's compulsion to leave no domain on Earth a refuge from war. I love the history of the Age of Sail and have soaked up everything I can find on the topic, largely because everything about it is just too ridiculously hyperbolic, almost, to believe.
the quality and the amount of information packaged into these videos is astounding a thousand time's better then anything the history channel puts out in fact most of if not all the knowledge i've gained about the Napoleonic wars has been from this channel could watch these videos for hours thank you for your amazing work
I hope you enjoy the video, and thanks to the National Museum of the Royal Navy for all their help. Find out about visiting HMS Victory at www.historicdockyard.co.uk. We'll have Part 2 of this series in a few weeks, in which we cover various aspects of sailing, fighting and living aboard a Napoleonic ship-of-the-line.
just wondering will you ever make a world war 2 documentary
This is seriously good
🤔 wonder is ur gonna and recreate at 1v1 scenario of HMS Victory vs USS Constitution 😎
Are you guys British, English maybe at Epic History?
Fabulous understatements convey knowledge. Yes, obviously underwhelming.
I can appreciate the amount of effort put into historic accuracy. Not only showing terms I already know from years of seamanship but also terms I’d never heard before from the days of old. A first rate documentary for a first rate ship of the line!
XO
Agreed, 'tis absolutely first rate in both respects.
Agreed, another superb piece of historical documentary. Epic History keeps knocking these out of the park, and i'm very pleased to see them continue the Napoleon era theme!
Bravo Zulu 🇨🇦
Indeed.
I went to Portsmouth just to see this beauty, I also saw HMS Warrior, but Victory truly takes you breath away. How could people even build something like this without modern technology just humbles me.
HMS Queen Elizabeth was there too that day, so I actually got the chance to admire her from Atop Victory.
That’s one of the most British things I’ve ever read
I saw Warrior too during a port call while in the US Navy. We were there for 4 days, and I got to see quite a bit of the dockyards and the ship itself. It was an amazing experience to see such a ship, still so well preserved.
I live here in pompey, you can spend a week here and still not see all the naval history in the area. The dockyard, the d day museum, the submarine museum, the royal armouries.. the list goes on. Never gets boring.
Visiting HMS Victory is on my bucket list.
Yeah, the fact that she was built basically entirely by hand is even more mind boggling
This is honestly incredible. Literally half an hour of epic history tv is equal to a whole term of history at school
It was exhilarating to watch. Nelson is one of my favorites. Epic History is the best!
The music alone is worth switching on for. All I could think of during the early theme of this video was Charles Nove’s voice booming, “Napoleon had taken on an enemy army almost twice his size, & beaten it four times in just six days.”
You guys know what I’m talking about.
A term? I learned more here than in school mate
Schools continue because they are businesses or serve to indoctrinate the masses such as to believe patriotic lies. That is their true purpose. They are obsolete.
@@scintillam_dei i wouldn't go this far but they sure have their fair share of propaganda
In 1991 I was USAF reserve in England during the Gulf war. I stood on the decks of the Victory. When I stood on the deck where Nelson was shot and the deck below where he died I knew I'd experienced a profound sense of history.
I know what you mean, I got the same, "hairs on the back of your neck ", feeling standing almost on my own in Ford's theatre in Washington DC.
I knelt and touched the brass plaque.
Nelson had one eye and one arm both battle wounds his strategy was to cut the line.
This meant a line of ships would normally just lob broadsides at each other.
Nelson attacked in a perpendicular fashion allowing British ships to fire at the bows and sterns the least defended and weakest point of the ship.
The British would fire two broadsides as they passed between two ships sending cannonballs down the length of the enemy ships.
Horrific mayhem destroying guns and gun crews yet leaving the masts and sails intact so the ship could be taken as prize.
@@julianwaugh8221 you missed out the worst part of this, to perform this strategy the 2 lines of Royal Navy ships had to sail directly into the broadside of the enemy ships, taking fire as they approached at less than 10mph for some time before their own guns came to bear
ТО ЧТО ПИШИШЬ . 91 ГОД ВОЙНА В П5РСИДСКОМ ЗАЛИВЕ.?! ХА-ХА. ЛОВИШЬ. С КЕМ ВОЁВНИЧКИ ВОЕВАЛИ
А ТАК ГОДКОВ ИМЕЕШЬ.
Nelson used to suck his officers off whenever they won a battle to boost morale
I toured the Victory years ago, and it was magnificent! I so clearly remember standing at the site of Nelson's death, and being completely choked up. And I'm American! The history of this ship and her crew is simply awe inspiring. And the Historical Dockyard itself is amazing as well!
The British fleet had a total of 18000 personnel in its fleet at Trafalgar, 312 are listed as American.
We need each other now more than ever.
@@johnjamesflashman6856, we do.
@grene1955
That is a lovely comment. i am lucky, i get to visit the dockyard four or five times a year, and i love the place, it is nice to know that you enjoyed it too, thank you.
The HMS victory looks so fearsome and intimidating with all of its sails out at 10:33. The fact that the total area of the sails were the size of a football pitch astonishes me.
Madness isn’t it
Tbh I kind of thought it would have been more than that. Especially given the fact there's over 26 miles of rope.
@@sonofeast11 I thought those giant anchors would weigh more than just four tons.
that's a scary sight to see when you are a 3rd rate ship of the line and you see a giant 1st rate faster than you closing with full spread of canvas.
@@davidriadi7999 With full sail out it looks less like ‘closing’ and more like ‘swooping’ in on you like a seabird of prey.
Wow, as a retired US sailor, history lover, and naval history enthusiast this is one of the best documentary videos I have seen on RUclips. This is one when it ended I was sorry it was over.
Same here, but i was happy to remember that there is a part 2.
Are you enjoying the company of men?
@@sonnymp1337 what are you on about?
DONT believe all England histories and British storytellers.
“Abraham Lincoln”
Spain navy were much better.
France army was much stronger.
The Pirates: Irish and British’s
@@ahoosifoou4211 Don’t feed the trolls👹
I toured HMS Victory in 1995 on a US Navy port visit. . The crew assigned as tour guides were very knowledgeable about the ship and all the little details of items aboard the ship. I got to visit with them after tours were over for the day at thier private pub. We traded information on our navies history and traditions. Will not forget the moment.
In the Wardroom?
The senior rates mess?
Private pub located about 100 yards from the ship.
@@masonjarhillbilly it’s got the cheapest bar in Hampshire on board too.
@@spookyt8692 That private bar was the cheapest. They would not allow me to buy anything. I did give several of them a tour on the USS Eisenhower and my squadron aircraft the next day, loaded them up with ship and squadron trinkets. Great experience. One of the highlights of my 20 year career in the US Navy.
My last job in the Navy in 2008 was bosuns mate on board Victory. Spent 6 months on there doing both day and night watches. At night I was the only one awake on board having to do hourly rounds. I can honestly say it was the most surreal and awe-inspiring draft I had in the time I spent in the navy. Walking round alone on board at 3am was both enthralling and terrifying. I was lucky enough to walk and sit amongst history... from the orlop deck to Nelsons grand cabin. It inspired be to read history at University when I left the RN and become a teacher. Truly blessed to have had such an amazing job.
I just got all emotional, thinking about having the privilege of walking around Victory, of looking after her alone, at night, i'm like you, i also would find it a bit terrifying. i envy you Sir.
Thank you for looking after one of our National Treasures.
Outstanding. One of the finest presentations of its kind that I've ever seen. The detail, animation and narration were all superior. A fascinating look into another world.
Agreed!
Agreed. There is another channel that did a 3D render of this same ship with even more detail. The video is called "How an 18th Century Sailing Battleship Works". It's a fantastic addendum to this video.
@@Metal0sopher Yeah the channel name is Animagraffs, I actually came to this video after watching theirs. Both of them are really well made and detailed. They've put a lot of work into it.
I saw HMS victory in Portsmouth, must be about over 10 years ago and being on there with the history and gravitas was breathtaking!! So happy it's getting restored to keep it alive for futurr generations to learn about first hand rather than in a book.
I saw it to had a great day in Portsmouth
I think victory has been under constant restoration and very little of the original ship remains
@@sizzler2462 yes when I was there 20 years ago I was blown away when a guide told me that almost all of the ship had been replaced piece by piece over the years and none of the present wood had been at the battle of Trafalgar.
@@kathrynstemler6331 This is true of all wooden ships constantly in the water. They sell little pieces of old wood from Constitution in the gift shop.
My dad was a shipwright and worked on hms victory and there is pretty much no original parts of the ship left as its all been replaced
I thought I understood the power of the RN and the significance of Trafalgar.
But that one line was astonishing. "One broadside from Victory packs more iron than all Wellington's guns at Waterloo. I had to rewind to be sure I heard it right.
There's a reason that Nelson's is the only statue that looks Parliament straight in the eye.
I had to rewind that too to comprehend it properly. They should’ve put some wheels on the damn thing & sent it across the land battles.
It's a logistical issue. Hauling the same number of guns across land requires draft animals to pull the guns, draft animals to pull the powder, draft animals to pull the shot, draft animals to pull the fodder for all the draft animals pulling everything else, draft animals to pull the food and supplies for all the extra soldiers guarding the draft animals. An army can only get so large before it becomes immobile, needing all available supply just to keep it in place. Ships were, funnily enough, the absolute best use of your cannon in terms of logistical ease.
Brits won at Trafalgar because the Napoleonic forces were controlled by masons who colluded with the British, granting them the victory. Anyone who believes this PG Disneyesque Brit-supremacist version of history is naive. Napoleon and Hitler were Templars (which became masons), so they weren't actually serving their country's interests each. They were actors whose theatre of war was of a double meaning. That's why Hitler, the guy who wore a Templar cross 'cause he was a Templar, let the Brits escape at Dunkirk. Only a fool would believe he did that "to be nice." They invaded Russia to destroy their countries. They intended to lose. France got streamrolled by Nazis becasuse they let them (the higher ranks opened the gates, so to speak). Again, only children believe the government lies about history. My series on the overrated, 2nd biggest empire, of the Brits, proves what I say.
Demond LaPlace I heard it was not so much a logistical issue, but an Oudinot one 😉
@@scintillam_dei Nurse... nurse!!!
These are the type of videos that make you sit down, grab a snack, and enjoy like your watching a new episode of your favorite TV show. Great quality as always guys!
I absolutely LOVED this doc on HMS Victory. As a life-long sailor, and fan of Lord Nelson I fulfilled a dream by touring Victory. Still, this video taught me how much I missed while doing the self guided tour! Kudos! 🇨🇦
I was assigned to the HS-7 Dusty Dogs while we were onboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman when we pulled into Portsmouth, England back in 2003. Went onboard the H.M.S. Victory numerous times. Once in my Dress Blues.
This is really fantastic. The level of detail, the art, and animations, the narration. We're so lucky to have access to such high-quality documentaries, thank you for making this.
DONT believe all England histories and British storytellers.
“Abraham Lincoln”
Spain navy were much better.
France army was much stronger.
The Pirates: Irish and British’s
@@rodrigomoreira9237 wat
@@rodrigomoreira9237 Is that why the English Frigate sank more Spanish Galleons than what the Galleons could sink, which the Spanish stop using them because they were easy targets for the much faster Frigate before the start of 1800s, also Spain was a conquered country by Napoleon, and the agreement that was made between Spain and France split Spain, with many taking to the hills and fighting the French, the French and its allies out numbered the British Troops in Spain and Portugal, but still lost in Spain
@@southerneruk We can't forget that Portugal had the fastest ships. even because the British and French had never captured one single ship from Portugal. But your point of view is good.
you could ask any historian from france, spain, portuguese and italian then you will understand that the english always distort history.
"Britain master of the sea; Napolean, unbeatable on land. The whale and the elephant, neither able to challenge the other on its own domain."
The first time I heard Epic History TV state this line I thought "The Whale and the Elephant" would be an interesting title for a book on Anglo-French relations.
Unstoppable force meets immovable object
Understand the metaphor but two more ferocious animals should’ve been chosen IMO. The Tiger & the Shark!
errm, Arthur Wesley would like a word with you sir!
One can see similarities to Carthage and Rome, Carthage the dominant naval power, Rome, the dominant land power.
Me, 19 years old french living in the south of France loving history and especially naval sail warfare, dream to visit this beauty. The only true ship of it's age, a legendary ship. Authentic. To be where Nelson was, to touch a cannon that is 200 years old.
Simply a dream. Unbelievable. This ship must be eternal. (even thougt I would have preferred to see it in the depth of the seas at Trafalgar ahaha)
Dude, for you to visit England, it's a short train ride (or plane ride). For me to visit, I'd have to cross two oceans, or 3 continents (for some reason, there aren't any flights across the pacific from Australia to England). Just save for a month and you're there.
@@Raz.C I gotta cross an entire continent, a hemisphere, the largest sea in the world, another continent , then the train ride from France to Britain
I went to see her a few years ago, so exciting to feel the centuries old atmosphere as though you were breathing the same air as Nelson. But there were many other great ships, often built by your ancestors in Nantes and Toulon. Also, the Americans were beginning to make great ships, of oak so thick that cannon balls bounced off.
Of course Nelson was a man apart, so bold and aggressive, and Trafalgar was his masterpiece and epitaph.
Anyway, HMS Victory awaits you in Portsmouth Dock! Vous serez le bienvenu.
'Master & Commander' GREAT film, arguably the best depiction of life at sea in those times ..... ...
@@dancarter482 They put in so much effort then used mealworms instead of weevils 🙄😬🤣.
The house I live in was build by Commander Richard Clark who was a Midshipman on HMS victory in 1782 shortly before becoming a Lt. During his long RN career on many ships he was captured and imprisoned twice by the French in sea battles and later served in the defensibles in South Devon where he built the house. He later retired to Cornwall and died at the ripe old age of 82. Amazing life!
I've lived in Portsmouth for 63 of my 65 years. Only been on the Victory once for my Auntie's retirement party. I've just learnt more in 28 mins than a lifetime living within a short distance of this great ship.
Shame on you but if you visit be warned the stairway's are very steep you have to be in pretty good shape to do the tour.
I've always known that these ships were massive and advanced. But, I'd never imagined it was this advanced. Everything on the ship is thought out, like keeping lights away from powder, the fact that the rooms can be torn down to make room for the guns. It's honestly humbeling to learn all of this.
I agree. It’s easy to forget that just because technology didn’t advance as fast as it does today, doesn’t mean the people were any less intelligent. With what they had, they were just as thought-out and creative! Not to mention that in 200 years, people will likely say the same about us…
Experience is the best teacher.
@@Esork1 If we are on the same trajectory as we are now, in 200 years most people will be a peasant / slave class with only a few extremely wealthy globalists who shut down all dissent and thought - stagnating society. 200 years from now looks abysmal - if humanity even exists after the NATO push for nuclear war
Toured HMS VICTORY with a group of friends from the United States in December 2019. A mixed group of Retired Marines and active Police Officers with the exception of me, a retired USN Chief Warrant Officer. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We received a personal tour provided by the Executive Officer of HMS VICTORY and at the conclusion of the tour, we shared a toast of Pusser's Rum to the Queen with the XO, several crew members and a large group of the HMS VICTORY Preservation Society in the Admiral's Mess. It was the experience of a lifetime, only equaled by my experience setting foot on and touring USS CONSTITUTION.
I am green with envy! I have toured the Victory, but getting to toast the Queen with the Executive Officer must have been unbelievable.
You lucky, lucky barsteward! What an honour... but well deserved.
I can imagine that.
I was never on the Constitution, but i toured the Constellation in Baltimore about 40 years ago a very similar ship.
Brilliant story and memory to look back on.
French guy here and even I have to admit this was quite a remarkable ship and admiral Nelson lived and died like a true soldier!
If only Napoleon knew when to die like a soldier as well !
@@JM-cg2mj he was wounded several times. Seems like he was saved to serve a greater purpose!
The man is immortal
Having read, re-read and re-read all of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin novels, I have developed a keen interest in these ships. This video has brought one of the best alive! Thanks!
THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH PATRICK BRIANS NOVELS ( IM TRYING TO GET THREW THE FIRST NOVEL), IS THAT ITS HARD TO FOLLOW AND UNDERSTAND BECAUSE OF THE NAUTICAL TERMS OF ITS TIME, DIFFICULT FOR MOST I WOULD SAY !!
@@rogervonschleusingen4603 I'm at book 14. You'll get used to it. You of course don't need to understand every little thing, the precision nonetheless adds to the experience.
Please keep these coming. You’re teaching kids parts of history that aren’t taught in most schools.
Perfect! Instead of watching a documentary telling us somewhat about the ship in a somewhat half hearted or vague manner you have gone far more in depth and really took the time to show us and explain to us in a very interesting and informative way the ins and outs here and even took the time to show me starboard and port etc as I always forget that lol. Awesome job, I will donate my thanks if that is a thing on this video ❤️
Man that was so cool, and just amazing to see you break down each room, each rope, each anchor, and each gun. I cannot imagine the amount of work it took. Please know we thank you immensely for your great work and passion
To give you an idea of how Brilliant Victory’s design was the succeeding Caledonia class of First rate used her as a starting point. The Caledonia class were ordered in 1827 while Victory was ordered in 1758.
That’s like people using the Gloster Meteor from WW2 as their start point for designing a modern jet fighter.
Or using a pre dreadnought battleship as the basis for a WW2 battleship design
Or using the last standard issue Lee Enfield rifles as the start point for designing the British army’s new infantry weapon.
While technology was moving slower back then so its not entirely a fair comparison it gives you some idea how potent Victory’s design was.
Yes yes yes! I love context that makes you sit down and process things. Very nice.
While things seemingly moved more slowly than today the developments described are, considering the speed of communications, things moved quickly.
Victory whas as well the worlds fastest 1st rate, able to reach ~10+knots as a hobby sailor myself I find this Incredible for a ship with such wide beam and deep draft. I,ve sailed on a dutch flute as a climber-boy. But seeing a sailing victory whould be a sight to behold let alone being in the mast
@@loekstrobbe626 she was/is magnificent of course , but the 74
gun ship of the line, proved to be the best compromise . And it was a French design originally.
@@michellebrown4903 Yes the Brotish considered their best shipyards to be located in France.
I was born in Portsmouth and toured the Victory several times as a kid. This is the first picture I've seen of it running downwind, with all sails hoisted. Amazing!
Amazing what you can do with CGI isn't it?
This was astounding. The perfect complement to a tour of HMS Victory, and in its own way, as good as being there!
Amazing as always! Brilliant, detailed, cinematic, accurate, and simply excellent.
This is so cool. The fact that it housed almost a thousand men and was massive, a floating castle, is extraordinary to me. I can just imagine walking through it while it cuts through the sea and men going about their tasks with the smell of ocean and wet wood.
Ocean doesn't smell. Sweaty hard working men do though.
@@Garchist I’m so sorry to do this, but your statement about the ocean not having a smell is ridiculous my friend. It absolutely has a smell.
“This pungent gas is what gives ocean air "sort of a fishy, tangy smell," said study author Andrew Johnston of the University of East Anglia. But while "it was known that quite a lot of bacteria could [produce DMS], no one had thought to ask how," Johnston told LiveScience.Feb 1, 2007”
And
“dimethyl sulfide
It's summertime, and for many of us, that means the beach. It is impossible to be a beach dweller and not notice the unique and wonderful smell of the ocean. By all means, take a deep breath. But what you're smelling is actually a fairly hideous chemical called dimethyl sulfide.Jul 20, 2021”
@@nooneimportant460 The very thing that you bringing so far stretched unpopular theories only proves my point. Besides, it's not my point, but one I heard from a professional seaman.
I know sea has some smell - but that only close to shore, and it's not sea, but mix of dead weeds and stuff washed ashore. In the open sea there is no smell.
@@Garchist smh…. Whatever you say man. I too have been to open sea. It has a smell. I’m not going to argue with someone who’s reply is “bro trust me”.
Ocean air has a smell. If you don’t think so fine. But I can provide endless sources saying otherwise. Have a nice life. Not going to argue, nothing I say or provide will you ever even consider. You have already made up your mind and there is no changing it. I wish you all the best in life
@@nooneimportant460 I didn't made up my mind, I'm not that dull. In fact you now partially changed it. If you have been to open sea and do insist it has smell - I will add it to my understanding of the question. It's just explaining it through chemical formulas makes it sound as if it doesn't have smell one can describe with human words. And I watch one ex-captain on YT who once said open sea don't have smell, so that makes me think it either has none or it's so thin that it practically doesn't matter.
I only was near sea some time, and can say I had two experiences - on calm weather there is no smell and just something more of washed ashore stuff giving it.. but on one very windy day there was very fresh and delightful smell "of the sea" but I don't fully understand how it works and why it only felt on that windy day.
So based on your answer I'll add to my understanding that there is something.. although I still don't fully understand what exactly it is, is it different then ashore and does it always there? And if it even differs from one ashore.
This is a legendary channel. One of the few I have notifications on for because I know every video is extremely high quality and extensively researched.
Same. Also because they don't invade you with 3384 videos
DONT believe all England histories and British storytellers.
“Abraham Lincoln”
Spain navy were much better.
France army was much stronger.
The Pirates: Irish and British’s
The quality of this production is as good as I’ve ever seen in this genre. As for the subject itself, I’m stunned at the level of design sophistication and engineering. What an amazing vessel!
Great documentary with great graphics. I travelled halfway around the world to step aboard and explore HMS Victory and still treasure the memory of it.
I saw Victory when I was stationed in England in the Air Force. One of the highlights of my time living there. Amazing ship.
As a historian, and expert on HMS Victory, Nelson and Trafalgar, this was excellent indeed.
As someone who recently got into age of sail modelling, the section running down the anatomy of Victory was spectacularly useful.
A beautiful presentation, using correct terms etc. with accurate detail of the ship, from hull structure to the rigging.
Maybe the best documentary I ever watched relating to the wonderful era.
I had the privilege of being a guide on the Victory when I was in the Royal Navy. We actually lived on the Victory, our mess was fwd on the main gun deck. I slung a hammock for my time on her. This unique experience gave me a continuing interest in historic ships.
Amazing! I worked on Victory in 2018 for a couple of weeks testing different methods of removing lead-based paint on historic ships. Her cradle system is impressive to say the least!
HMS Victory was the first warship I ever fell in love with and I had the opportunity to visit her when I was in Portsmouth. I am really happy to see this channel go in depth in such a beautiful vessel, looking forward to part two of this.
I envy you there. HMS Victory is on my 'Bucket List'.
@@487409c I've seen the Constitution and it was nice. Ill see the Victory one of these days. The ship that does it for me is the one my grandfather helped build: USS Enterprise CVN-65
@@487409c fantastic day out, they let you keep your ticket for a year! Mary Rose exhibit is incredible, then Victory, then Warrior are the three main ships. The comparison between Victory and Warrior from about 50 years after Trafalgar is fascinating. Then there's a massive museum including one of Victory's shot ridden sails, Nelson's dress coat, a panorama painting of the battle, there's a couple of other small military vessels and an interactive exhibit for the kids. Oh and it includes a harbour tour where if you're lucky you'll see some of the navy ships. I got a photo of Victory next to HMS Hermes and Fearless in the 80's.
By far the thing that most blows my mind about these ships is the sheer size. They don't sound that huge today but back then the largest man made structure on earth was 120m tall. It's highly likely that for 99% of the people to ever see the Victory, she was by far the largest man-made structure they would ever see in their lives
Have you been to see Victory in Portsmouth? Its there you can visit it!
Given most homes would be about 2 stories high (maybe 3) a 3 gun deck ship would tower over them, then add in the masts and it would be like looking at a sky scarper.
The Victory was taller and larger than the tallest and largest structure in Portsmouth at the time which was a church.
@Aqua Fyre Aircraft carrier in WW2 is nothing. Britain built only 10 1st rates in the entire 18th century. It is similar to that of the Kirov for Russia or US Supercarriers today.
The Great Pyramids are 146 meters and were around at the time.
I served on HMS Victory in 1989/90 as a tour guide, one of my ships I served on in my career in the Royal Navy (15 Years) - Had a blast...
One of the best informational films I have ever seen. Visually and spatially clear with each idea narrated and shown graphically beautifully. No wasted words and many topics covered with efficiency and precision. Great job!
HMS Victory's lucky break from her intended fate was because of the loss of another 1st rate ship. Since it'd take too long to build another 1st rate ship and you couldn't rely on luck of capturing an enemy ship, the Royal Navy overhauled Victory back into a 1st rate ship, which as stated was very costly and required many new additions/modifications to be done.
I just started reading Master & Commander and this video couldn't be better timed. Even with me googling a lot of the terms the books are a confusing mess of naval and ship terms at times. This video was invaluable for helping me visualise this now. Amazing effort and work done by the whole team here.
As cool as the Ships of the Line were, there were many other ships as well. I think a video doing quick comparisons between ship types would be excellent too.
I had the pleasure of visiting HMS Victory in 1998 when I joined the Royal Navy I also visited the submarine museum and HMS Alliance they both left me awe inspired.
We visited HMS Victory 10 years ago, also HMS Warrior .the Mary Rose and the WW 2 submarine in one day. A memorable experience. We also visited the naval rope works and the Cutty Sark at Chatham also to be recommended. Our guide told us that British practiced to where they could load and fire their guns at twice the rate of the French
Thank you to everyone for this really excellent video about the most famous ship in the world. It has confirmed my wish to go to see her yet again. Charles Nove's commentary is clear, concise and informative.
Wow. Just... wow. This has to be the most comprehensive guide to the inner workings of a warship in the age of sail. I've watched and read a lot about these behemoths, and still learned something I did not yet know, all the way throughout this video. Thank you!
Read Master and Commander. Or watch the movie. Or do both :)
HMS Victory, a piece of living history! It's a dream of mine to visit Portsmouth and witness this marvel with my own eyes: must be a humbling experience. As a Spaniard, I always had a great deal of respect and admiration for admiral Nelson and his flagship. Great video, I enjoyed it very much!
@valeqsi463
I hope you can manage to visit the Dockyard some time. You will be very welcome.
I am lucky, i manage to visit the dockyard five or six times a year, when i was on Victory last year one of the guides i spoke to was a young Spanish lady, she really loved Victory.
When you do come over, you should allow for at least two days to see everything.
I had no idea how sophisticated and complex these ships were.
Masterful... Epic History TV should be the example of how to do literally everything... so well organized and executed. Looking forward to the next episode!
This brought back some memories. Way back in the late 60s in my final year at school, I did a project on the life of Admiral Lord Nelson - which involved a lot of enjoyable research. Of course HMS Victory played a big part in my project and ever since I have had a soft spot for that great ship. My first visit to it was in 1966 and I have been on it 3 times since. This video brings it to life again. It is another experience to be given a tour, with all the detail, without having to walk up and down the various decks.
Amazing work everyone. This is probably the best all around primer for a Napoleonic era Man O’ War I’ve seen and I know it will be useful bringing lubbers into the fold. Thank you for making it and I honestly can’t wait for part 2.
This video is magnificent. I have NEVER seen such a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the structure of an old battleship. I am particularly grateful for the description of the naval lingo of the time. Regards!!!
What a truly magnificent machine! To think this is what men could build and sail in the 1700's. Mind blowing. Very impressed.
Shes Amazing and we are so lucky to still have her .
Makes me a little sad to think of what happened to another great ship
HMS IMPLACABLE. A third rate 74 gun ship of the line
Fought in the battle of trafalgar originally she was French captured by the English survived first World War and the 2nd World War to be taken out to the solent in 1949 and flying the french tricolour and Union flag to be unceremoniously blown up with charges and sent to the sea bed . How could the navy do that . Gone forever
I am just coming to realize just how gorgeous, fascinating, and genius these old warships are.
Like HMS Victory herself, this video was a Masterpiece. Incredibly excited for the upcoming series!
Like their Castle construction video, I really like these topics that are not about events & battles per se, but about the engines & constructs that informed the battles & time.
One of the biggest difference between the French and British ships was in the quality of the gun crews. British crews could on avarege fire off the gun every 90 seconds. An outstanding crew would fire every 60 seconds. Compare that to French crews that would fire of the guns every 3-5 minutes. Not to mention that the French used an old fuse firing system that lead to less accuracy, since the two or so seconds it took from the fuse being lit to the gun firing could mean the ship drifted off target. British guns used a more modern flint lock firing mechanism that worked the same as a musket, meaning the delay from pulling the trigger to the gun firing was almost non-existent. I assume that's what was hinted at the end of the video.
All around stellar documentary. As someone who has loved to read about age of sail naval warfare, I can't wait for part two! :)
The figures for the Spanish and French fleets are not accurate. British ships could fire faster, but not 5 or 6 times faster. Even though they were better trained, there is a physical limit on the fire rate, which is the time that must elapse in order to cool off before putting more gunpowder.
The Combined Fleet lost due to many factors, only one of which was the training and the speed of fire. Spanish navy commanders were generally on par with their British counterparts, but the economic situation of Spain was dire, so most of the sailors were obtained through conscription as there was not enough money to pay them. And because of the British blockade, there was no chance of training them at sea either. Also, it can be argued that the Spanish commanders hated the French more than the British and did not respect Villeneuve due to his abysmal leadership in the battle of Finisterre which saw a few of the Spanish ships of the line captured when they could have achieved victory if supported by the French.
French naval commanders were inept because France had lost its Naval tradition with the Revolution. The only merit of Villeneuve before Trafalgar was being able to save a few ships from destruction in the battle of the Nile. Underfunded and under command of an inept admiral, the Combined Fleet spent most of its time at port with no chance of sailing and improving its crew's skills. Also, the size of the Spanish and French fleets could not compete with the Royal Navy, which made its commanders more cautious. Nelson could afford to lose ships at Trafalgar, but Spain and France could not. Thus, the allied fleets tried always to place themselves in the leeward position in order to escape if possible. The direction of the wind made their ships tilt and fire to the masts and sails of the British ships, while these could fire at the hull of the Allied ships. That, combined with the fact that the British had more first rates at Trafalgar than the French and Spanish, which allowed them to fire from a deck higher, gave them the advantage at the battle. Spanish and French ships tended to be better designed than their British counterparts, but that difference was slight.
Also, worth mentioning is Villeneuve's clumsy U-turn at the beginning of the battle and the lack of support of Dumenoir's vanguard to the main body of the Combined Fleet. The Spanish and French were extremely brave to fight the British under these circumstances, but the conditions made the chance of victory very remote.
Wow. Your amazing. You know so much I bet.
@@augustosolari7721 That's a lot of words to say almost the same thing I said.
@@augustosolari7721 Excellently said, very true indeed.
@William Ewart Gladstone they were. Maybe not at the level of Nelson, but Gravina and Churruca were very competent.
I wrote this a few years back as a folk song -
Victory at Trafalgar
I joined my ship the Victory, the finest ever seen
A new recruit from Chatham, a proud Royal Marine
We sailed down to Cadiz in Spain, blockading Villeneuve
Napoleon planned invasion - we blocked his opening move
We had Englishmen and Scotsmen, the Welsh and Irish too
Men from far America, and more in Victory's crew
The oldest man was fifty five, the youngest just fourteen
Eight hundred and twenty men, both sailors and Marines
October the twenty-first, eighteen hundred and five
Villeneuve fled to the south, hoping to survive
We had twenty seven ships, the enemy six more
We gave chase and caught them just off Cape Trafalgar's shores
We smashed the Frenchie flagship, reduced her to a wreck
But guns from ships on either side brought death home to our decks
Huge splinters torn from English oak, thrown up by grape and shot
Would render loss of life or limb for victims like as not
Fifty seven men were killed, one hundred and two hurt sore
Fighting half a dozen ships, no other crew lost more
Rigging tangled ruin, our steering shot away
Shattered woodwork, toppled guns, were yet the least we'd pay
The Admiral on the quarterdeck, sharpshooters marked him well
A French Marine took careful aim and brave Lord Nelson fell
A musket ball through chest and spine would end his bold career
With famous victories to his name, this man French sailors feared
I was badly wounded too and taken down below
They put me near where he was laid so his last words I know
'A smashing victory' he heard, the Captain at his side
'I did my duty', Nelson said, then breathed his last and died
Freedom calls for sacrifice and sacrifice for pain
The butchers bill the battle's price, the cost in good men slain
A nation's heroes fell that day, those men both great and small
Each man in good company with those who gave their all
Said Shakespeare's tale of Henry, of Agincourt and pride
Men abed that day would curse the glory they're denied
Much the same he'd say of these, the men of Nelson's fleet
Of Bonaparte's invasion plans, and Villeneuve's defeat
That's fantastic. I'd like to hear it sung.
I went to Portsmouth yesterday to view this amazing ship and it is truly breathtaking in the flesh.
Epic History is a first rate ship of the line amongst all the history streams. Brilliant.
Thank God they didn't do the KingsAndGenerals thing and just turn into propaganda channel
I went to London once to see the Cutty Sark, which was an impressive ship. I can't imagine how impressive the HSM Victory is in person.
It's stunning !
Surprising how enormous it is for a wooden ship once you get inside, and (weirdly) how much more modern and practical it seems for the age compared with wooden ships you see ion movies. The whole Postmouth Historical Dockyard is amazing as they have the remains of the Tudor flagship Mary Rose with a whole museum of archaeological finds from the wreck and the Iron hulled HMS Warrior too. Many of the old boat and rigging sheds are there still. You couldn't do the whole thing in a day. Two or three days is perfect, much recommended.
I simply love the detailed demonstration of the ship's parts like the sails, the rigging and everything else regarding seamanship. As a total landlubber who is fascinated by the age of sail, I seriously appreciate that. Thank you! It would also be amazing to see similar videos regarding smaller ship types like frigates, galleons, brigantines, barques and sloops. Aye, shiver me timbers!
I can't help feeling a little emotion at this beautiful ship. As always you guys at Epic History deliver such high quality and do this ship justice with your work! Carry on!
It's in the best of hands people that love it and hopefully future generations will get to see it.
I Spent almost 50 years in aviation flying F-86, Mirage111,Phantom F4E, General Dynamics F 111C and some 24 years on all variants of the Boeing 747 as well as a host of General Aviation aircraft in Charter Ops. I can say my fondest memory ever was a personally guided tour of the Victory in dry Dock Portsmouth. A magnificent machine and almost impossible to comprehend life aboard in battle: All the crew were heroes. Thanks for a First Rate Video. Hope to return to Victory again one day.
Wow that's an epic career! It's people like you that should make a YT channel and record your memories and thoughts. Even just in audio if you don't want to be known, add to the history :)
Thank you so much for this, the most detailed description I have ever seen of HMS Victory.
Fabulous ship and amazing work to preserve her over the decades, a real example of a fighting ship of the line and also sad that she is the only one left, as I understand that another ship of the same timeline was sunk deliberately as unwanted not so very many decades ago.
Crazy to think you can go and stand on the Victory in Portsmouth. There is no other ship like it. Everything older is a wreck excavated from land or lifted from the sea after they sunk and restored as much as they are able. Victory is the real deal. There are ships like it that are preserved as well like Independence however they are far younger.
Imagine if she could speak. Or what Slade would say to see her all these years later.
I'm meant to be working, but watched a second of this and just watched the whole thing. Every second was so fascinating. I'm definitely going to visit the Victory next time I'm down in England.
The Aubrey/Maturin books by O'Brian were a great read and the movie did it great justice. I knew some of the terms but didn't know what a mizzen was exactly until today. Love this video like so many other Epic History videos. This must have been weeks of research.
Am currently reading this series of books and have to agree with you there. Roll on Part 2.
I have read the O'Brian books a number of times and am now rereading the Hornblower series. Truly fascinating, and this vid gave me a new understanding of the working of these massive ships
A nice little touch in the animation is the Admiral's Flag. It flies from the fore topgallant, meaning the ship is commanded by a Vice-Admiral. In this case, a Vice-Admiral of the White, which is the rank held by Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar. Technically it should have a small red circle in the corner, but it's hard to tell if it does in the animation.
Either way, as someone that spends a lot of time researching the Royal Navy of the 17th through early 20th century, I shall probably recommend this video to people looking for informative answers without having to watch a dozen Drachinifel videos, or read way too many books and look at way too many old photographs. Incredibly well done video.
I went and saw HMS Victory last year. The ship is absolutely amazing in person. I would recommend listening to the handheld audio guide, which tells the story of Battle of Trafalgar.
Admirable effort and historical accuracy. Could you make one about the Spanish ship Santísima Trinidad?
That would be indeed great!👍👍👍 It´s the other legendary Ship in the Battle of Trafalgar, a Ship which didn´t exist any more.
@@NicolaW72 So you've heard of it, that's good 😎 I guessgood legends spread fast👍
@@davidmartinsantillana4195 I would say many people are aware of this legendary ship!
@@ZolaMagic25 I don't know if a lot of people are aware or not, I just like the way this channel does the videos and the ship is legendary, that's why I suggested it
In this modern day it's amazing to know that they made such massive ships with the use of intricate yet limited machines, and then went on to arm them with enough cannon to rival a small land fortress. I would give almost everything to see her and ships like her sail in formation imagine seeing them in their hay day, sails billowing, flags streaming, decks buzzing with activity.
A great and fascinating guide of the HMS Victory. Great as always, Epic History TV.
I got to take a look around this ship some years ago was great
What a beautiful and majestic ship. Those were true ships, ones with sails and made of wood. They facinate me . i would love to go on a journey upon one. What an experience that would be. The HMS Victory is more than a mere sailing ship , it is a work of art, a masterpiece. I love it !
How right you are.
Absolutely top drawer production! One of the vert best in terms of accuracy, commentary, solid research and visual presentation.
Thank you!
If you'd ever do one for a relatively modern royal navy ship, I would love to see the HMS Warspite from the world wars. There isn't enough love around the platforms for her.
This video couldn't come at a better time!
I recently started reading "Master and Commander" (first book of the Aubrey-Maturin series), having always loved the movie, liking videogames such as Assassin's Creed IV or Sea of Thieves, and generally just being fascinated by sailing ships and yachts. A series which to better understand - regarding history, period lingo and naval jargon - I got the "Sea of Words" and "Harbors and High Seas" companion books for. And while those are great, while there's a wealth of info on YT and Wikipedia, this video is a very welcome, fantastic and vital visual aid! The anatomy section is simply invaluable. Besides moreover simply being interesting like the rest of your videos. Duly thankful for it!
Noatak - if you (or anyone else) wants to read a superb book on Trafalgar, try "Trafalgar the men,the battle,the storm" by Tim Clayton & Phil Craig. This gives some excellent information, much of it from journals,letters etc. written at the time by those who took part. It is printed by Hodder & Stoughton.
@@pauldenkinson3908 thanks, I'll check it out
Amazing work you've done on this channel. This is beautiful piece of history
You lads are amazing. My British father would be proud.
This is probably the best naval video on RUclips! A virtual wealth of information! Very much appreciated and well done! Bravo!
Great to see this virtual tour and recognizing all the parts of the ship when I visited Victory in Portsmouth recently. Too bad the rigging wasn't really ready but hopefully in a few years when she's fully restored in her former glory she will look magnificent once the renovations are complete.
Been looking forward to this! This ship captivates the mind as well as her brilliant admiral! Nicely done!!
Yessss. Just finished. So good. Been waiting a long time for this series. Can't wait for more!
This has to be the most succinct, well written and presented information on the 'Golden Age of Sail' and a RN Ship of that Era, let alone a fantastic look at HMS Victory. This could easily be a primer for anyone interested in learning.
Absolutely well done.
I got to tour this ship almost 30 years ago with my grandfather, and great uncle, Still have those photos and memories, though they are both gone. The Zippo lighter with the HMS Victory on it is still on a self in my Office. So impressive a ship.
Outstanding work and production values. Never thought I’d find Napoleonic Ships so interesting! Keep up the great work!! 👍
Not something I would have thought I’d wanted. But now I cannot wait for the next part. Awesome job guys.
I REALLY loved this video. Honestly, it ticked absolutely every box I could ever hope to want to know about, except for one...
I would really have liked to know more about the sailing characteristics of HMS Victory. I mean, it's a square-rigged vessel with 3 masts, so I presume that its best point of sail is somewhere between running before the wind and a beam reach. Maybe a broad-beam reach?
I guess it's not terribly important...
This is incredible. One of my first - and happiest - memories are my visits to Portsmouth naval dockyard as a very young child with my mum. I never imagined just how techinical this ship's design was. Magnificent ship and magnificent video
I have been on this ship in Aug 2022.
Absolute amazing to be there and hear the voice and sounds of an audio guide and see these things live on board.
A Must if you are in porthsmouth or south England.
Thanks for this great video!
This is premium quality historical content voiced by one of the very best narrators I have ever heard.
Take a bow Epic history TV, you deserve it.
I re named my GTA Yacht HMS Victory after I saw the Napoleon’s first victory video a long time ago, so seeing this video was just extra epic
Should have named it 'Waterloo'
What a miracle of mankind's compulsion to leave no domain on Earth a refuge from war. I love the history of the Age of Sail and have soaked up everything I can find on the topic, largely because everything about it is just too ridiculously hyperbolic, almost, to believe.
Thank you very much for this! I got my HMS Victory a couple days ago but couldn't find the manual for it. Now i know how to sail it properly
the quality and the amount of information packaged into these videos is astounding a thousand time's better then anything the history channel puts out in fact most of if not all the knowledge i've gained about the Napoleonic wars has been from this channel could watch these videos for hours thank you for your amazing work