This History Channel series takes a fascinating look at the rise and decline of one of the most powerful fleets the world has ever known The Royal Navy.

   HMS Victory
   It was at the centre of one of the most famous naval conflicts of all time, the battle of Trafalgar. From its decks, Admiral Nelson oversaw the destruction of the combined Spanish and French fleets - even as he met his own death. The HMS Victory remains in the service of the Royal Navy some 200 years after its moment of glory. ENGLAND'S ROYAL WARSHIPS takes us aboard the legendary ship. From this unrivalled historical backdrop, we paint a picture of what it was like to serve on one of these "Wooden Worlds" 200 years ago.
   Dramatic reconstructions take us into the heat of the fierce battles of the age of sail, showing just how these epic conflicts were fought and what life was like for the sailors of that day. Then, see how much has changed in two centuries with a tour of the HMS Manchester, one of Britain's most modern warships. Follow the crew and feel the excitement and drama as they take their "action stations." From the most famous warship in British history to the vessels that will carry the navy into the future, this is a fascinating look at ENGLAND'S ROYAL WARSHIPS.