HMS Warrior in Portsmouth

Using Google Earth to explore Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in England, I spot a striking 19th-century warship — HMS Warrior.

Launched in 1860, HMS Warrior was Britain’s first iron-hulled, armored warship powered by both sail and steam. At the time, it was the largest and most powerful warship in the world, built to outclass anything afloat and assert British naval dominance.

Measuring 418 feet long, Warrior combined steam engines and sail to reach speeds over 13 knots. Armed with 68-pounder guns and protected by 4.5 inches of wrought iron armor, it marked a turning point in naval engineering — bridging the age of sail and the era of modern steel warships.

Retired from active service by the end of the 19th century, Warrior avoided scrapping and was eventually restored to her original appearance.

Today, HMS Warrior is docked in Portsmouth as a museum ship. Fully restored and open to visitors, it offers a rare look at Victorian naval innovation and life aboard one of the world’s first modern battleships.

Видео HMS Warrior in Portsmouth канала Michael LaPalme