Statistics^ 
244 
3 striking view of tlie progressive increase of the British navy ^ 
TiiC following short statement will remind you of the esta^ 
blishment of the different royal dock yards noAV existing in the 
kingdom. They are six in number, Deptford, Woolwich, Chat- 
ham, Sheerness, Portsmouth and Plymouth. 
Deptford was built in the reign of Henry the VIII. under 
whose sway, history tells us, this country possessed the first fleet 
composed of ships of war, belonging to the king : although I have 
heard that some archives, recently discovered in the tower, prove 
the existence of a fleet of that kind in the reign of the preceding 
monarch, Henry VII. 
“ Woolwich yard was formed under the auspices of the same, 
monarch. 
“ Chatham was founded by queen Elizabeth, where the gun- 
wharf now is, and where there was only one small dock ; but that 
being too confined a spot, it was removed about the year 1622 to 
its present situation. 
“ Sheerness was formed in the reign of Charles II. 
Portsmouth by Henry VIII. being the third dock yard found- 
ed by him. 
“ Plymouth by William HI. about the year 1694, and in 169S 
money was voted by the house of commons for completing it. 
The progressive advance of our navy, will appear by at- 
tending to the following recital of its tonnage at different periods^ 
from the reign of Henry VIII. to the present time. 
At the death of Henry VIII 
Year 
1547 
Tons about. 
12,400 
Edward VI 
1553 
11,000 
Mary 
1558 
7,000 
Elizabeth ' 
1603 
17,100 
James I 
1625 
19,400 
Rebellion 
1641 
22,400 
Charles I 
1649 
uncertain 
At the restoration 
1660 
57,460 
D eath of Charles II 
1685 
103,558 
Abdication of James II 
1688 
101,900 
Death of William III 
1702 
159,000 
Anne 
1614 
167,170 
George I 
1727 
170,860 
George II 
1769 
321,200 
On the 31st December, 1788- 
^ 1809- 
4 3,660 
776.000 
800.000 
