History of the Royal Navy I

In this episode, part 1 of our 2-part series on the history of the Royal Navy, we explore the rise of English and Scottish maritime power from its early roots in ad hoc merchant fleets to the creation of a unified naval force in 1707, tracing how centuries of war, trade, and political change forged the foundations of the modern Royal Navy. From Anglo-Saxon and Norman rulers relying on temporary ships, to the Tudor and Stuart drive toward a permanent professional navy, the story highlights pivotal turning points such as Henry VIII’s sweeping naval reforms, England’s victory over the Spanish Armada, and the fierce Anglo-Dutch wars that defined control of global commerce. We also examine Scotland’s distinct naval tradition, including its shipbuilding strengths and privateering ventures, and show how upheavals like the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution reshaped naval administration, power, and ambition on the world stage.