A Short History of the Royal Navy, 1217-1815. Volume II, 1689-1815

This volume offers a compact yet thorough survey of the Royal Navy from the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution through the decisive battles of the early nineteenth century. Organized chronologically, it moves from the early wars with France, through the Seven Years’ War and the American conflict, to the dramatic confrontations at the Nile and Trafalgar. The author weaves together official records, contemporary accounts, and personal memoirs to give listeners a clear picture of how ships, tactics, and leadership evolved over more than a century.

The narrative highlights how the shift to parliamentary control after 1688 reshaped funding, promotion, and the very culture of the fleet, injecting both stability and partisan rivalry. Readers also encounter vivid portraits of life aboard ship, the rise of professional sailors, and the strategic dilemmas of protecting trade and empire. By the end of the period, the navy had emerged as a dominant sea power, its legacy still echoing in modern naval doctrine.