" Down to the Sea in Shi 



ps 



the Saxons had become established as the people 

 of the Island. 



King Alfred, of noble memory, coming to the 

 throne, found his country a prey to these maraud- 

 ing Danes. He then and there grasped the 

 principle, which still has sway in England's 

 counsels, that the very existence of Britain as 

 a Nation rests upon the strength of her Navy. 

 With all possible despatch he had a new 

 fleet built, composed of vessels which were 

 for the most part double the size of the 

 largest Danish boats. They were longer, wider, 

 stouter, and were rowed each by from forty to 

 sixty men. 



The first Naval battle which followed may be 

 looked upon as a foreshadowing of Trafalgar ; 

 for the English boats gained a complete victory 

 over those of the enemy, and thereby England 

 obtained command of the sea. 



In those times no clear distinction existed 

 between war- ships and merchant -ships. All 

 were prepared to defend themselves when need 

 arose ; and any might be used, either to carry 

 fighting-men, or to convey merchandise. 



Not until the reign of Edward I. did a differ- 

 ence grow up, separating those vessels which 

 as a rule kept to more peaceful occupations, 



263 



