Existing comment:
Britannia:
The huge, 100-gun ship of the line Britannia was the pride of the fleet of King James II. Completed in 1682, she served until 1714 when she was broken up and some of her timbers were used in the construction of a new 100-gun Britannia. The lavish decorations and carvings of the stern can more clearly be seen in the photo to the right.
A contemporary print of Britannia shows her decked out with flags indicating her status. Fore to aft they are; the Union Jack, flag of the Lord High Admiral, the Royal Banner of the Stuarts, a Union Jack, and the Red Ensign. James II, King and Lord High Admiral at the time of the print, would soon flee England and be superceded by William and Mary. |