19TH-CENTURY NAVY RECORDS
‘There are many options for exploring the career of a naval ancestor’
The Navy changed dramatically in the 19th century. At the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, wooden sailing ships fired cannonballs at each other at point-blank range. But by the end of the century, the service had huge steel-hulled steamships that could fire shells long distances; it had torpedoes; and it was about to commission the first of its submarines.
JOINING UP
Working-class men chose to join the Royal Navy in the 19th century because it gave them employment, taught them skills, and provided meals. Despite these attractions, it should not be forgotten that before 1820 some men were press-ganged and forced to enlist against their will. There were also many charitable institutions such as the Marine Society that took in impoverished
