| The ship was ornate. Its sculptures were reproductions of sketches by famous painter Van Dyck. The front sculpture depicted English King Edward mounted on a horse and trampling the seven lords - the enemies of the Albion. The vessel was a flagship of the British fleet and took part in many sea battles. Unfortunately, an absurd accident led to the ship's destruction. In 1696, the "Royal Sovereign" burned down in a fire caused by a fallen candle. The English used to say that the "Royal Sovereign" cost King Charles his head: In order to achieve his dream of a sea campaign, Charles raised taxes in his country and thus caused the downfall of his government and, ultimately, his own decapitation.
It was Cardinal Richelieu - a great political figure and military reformer - who created the French navy. In 1626, the battleship "Saint Louis" was built.
In Russia, Tsar Peter I created the battleship navy. Thanks to his great vessels, Russia managed to strengthen its hold on the sea and sea trade. |
