Royal Navy

The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against France. The modern Royal Navy traces its origins to the early 16th century; the oldest of the UK's armed services, it is consequently known as the Senior Service.

Quotes

Come cheer up, my lads! 'tis to glory we steer,
To add something more to this wonderful year;
To honour we call you, as free men not slaves,
For who are so free as the sons of the waves?
- David Garrick, author of the lyrics to the first verse of "Heart of Oak" in 1759, while the music was written by William Boyce. Originally written for the London stage, the song became quite popular and was subsequently adopted as the official quick march of the Royal Navy.

Heart of oak are our ships, heart of oak are our men;
We always are ready, steady, boys, steady!
We'll fight and we'll conquer again and again.
- David Garrick, chorus to "Heart of Oak" (1759)

The royal navy of England has ever been its greatest defence and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of the island.
- Sir William Blackstone (1765), Commentaries, Volume I, Book I, chapter xiii., p. 387