New Page 1

We are a new independent body that recognises the dangers of losing our naval heritage and rich naval influence. The Britannia Naval Research Association represents dedicated individuals who collectively aim to preserve, promote and research our naval heritage. We seek to redress the balance by offering a fresh innovative approach to raising the awareness and importance of naval matters. We are focused on organised and armed nautical activity and closely related themes from all periods, or as we like to say "From Drake to Dreadnought and Beyond".

HMS Royal Sovereign by J. Dawkins

To Research

Above: A reconstructed signalling cannon from Le Tonnant Right: BNRA Exhibition of Artefacts and Models

To Preserve

Above: Harold Bedwell and colleagues- extract from midshipman's log 1898-99

To Promote

We strive to raise awareness of naval heritage and educate the public about the importance of seapower. Our work has resulted in the delivery of policy suggestions for the Government’s ‘Ships for the Nation’ initiative. We have also supported the bid to save the Chesapeake Mill in Hampshire, last resting place of the USS Chesapeake’s Timbers and have developed strong links with museums, naval heritage sites and institutions. ‘The Journal’ of the BNRA is published quarterly and sent to our members all over the world. It includes the latest update on our research, promotion and preservation activities. As part of our activities we hold the annual Oxford Naval Symposium. Past symposia have covered topics as diverse as; The Battle of Jutland, Oxford's Naval Collections and Assault from the Sea.

Through our members we seek to conserve and maintain all aspects of our naval heritage for future generations, from naval relics, written material and naval culture including the spoken word. Many of our members are experts in a naval area and have access to national and local museum collections to further their research. The association acquires, grows and shares knowledge of naval history and as custodians, seeks to preserve it via 'The Journal', special projects, conservation days, naval study groups and networking activities.

A key aim of the association is to investigate and discover new information and document relevant aspects of naval history, artefacts and heritage. A sample of our research published in ‘The Journal’ has covered:
* Napoleonic naval edged weapons and firearms * SMS G38 and the Lutzow at Jutland
* The Development of RN Torpedo Gunboats      * Warship building on the Thames
* USS Chesapeake and her structure                        * The Battle of Vigo - Naval Action Described
* The shipwrights; Josiah Fox and Robert Parsons * Naval Gunnery * Crimea Gunboats    * The Naval War of 1812 * Naval Aviation * The Navy in the 1950s * HMS; Polyphemus, Bellerophon, Elephant, Mimi, Rattlesnake, Southampton, Loch Fada, Highflyer and others