The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
A SHORT HISTORY
OF THE
ROYAL NAVY
1217 TO 1688
BY
DAVID HANNAY
METHUEN & CO.
36 ESSEX STREET, W.C.
LONDON
1898
PREFACE
It has been my endeavour in this book to give a popular, but clear and not inaccurate, account of the growth, and services, of the Royal Navy. I have not attempted a general maritime history of England. This, which would include the rise and extension of commerce, discovery, much scientific matter and much legislation, would be the life-work of a Gibbon or a Hume. Such a task would be far beyond my powers, even if circumstances, which need not be specified, did not refuse me command of the time needed for so great an undertaking.