Nelson & His World

Dave,

Yes, we're right at the beginnings of steam in the RN at this date, so I think it quite possible that some of the ships in the photograph have steam engines, although of course also having the 'well-tried and tested' masts and sails, which didn't begin to disappear until the 1870's. The funnels were usually retractable and could be lowered when under sail and, similarly, the screw could be disengaged and often raised into the hull at the same time, to lessen wind resistence and drag. So, it is possible that some of the ship here have lowered funnels.

As far as I know, the Hibernia was never fitted with a steam engine, although of course many ships were converted and often lengthened in the process.

Kester
Ok, but what date are we,nothing as yet is proven,the only definate seems to be the number of gun ports on the 3decker,which to my eyes rules out HIBERNIA 110,why not VICTORIA 121
she was Med Flag 1864-67

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Dave.

Here's a photo of HMS Victoria at Malta: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/3317507

Too small!