About

Maritime Historian

WYN DAVIES

Wyn Davies - The Maritime Historian

As a naval architect I have been working for many years supporting some of the nation’s most iconic ships, some of great heritage importance, others right up to date.

During the eighteen years spent with a major UK Consultancy I started to pick up some of the less run of the mill jobs, a couple of which led me into the world of maritime heritage and a job as lead monitor for the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). It was during this period that I was retained as the consulting naval architect for the Cutty Sark survey and restoration planning, lead monitor for the restoration of HMS Warrior’s upper deck and for the SS Shieldhall’s repairs.

I was very involved in supporting the design and procurement of various vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, ships that are currently at sea with the RFA.

I formed my own company in 1986. Since then the heritage work has grown, covering nearly 30 historic vessels and a handful of museums and visitor centres, and which has resulted in several papers, articles and books.

I remain on the HLF’s list of specialist and lead monitors and am currently the European representative of the US lead Historic Naval Ship Association (HNSA).

The Author

Maritime Historian

WYN DAVIES

Image of Wyn Davies

Wyn Davies - The Author

Wynford Davies specialises in commercial maritime projects and maritime heritage work, and current projects include the restoration of the Medway Queen, a Dunkirk veteran, the submarine Alliance and the White Star Line tender, the Nomadic.

Since 1998 he has also been a member of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s panel of expert advisors and a monitor for several of their maritime projects.

He has had 3 books published all available from Amazon.

image of HMS Warrior

HMS Warrior

It's not often we can actually walk on the decks of a landmark ship from 150 years ago. This colourful and authoritative book is second only to an actual visit to "Warrior" in Portsmouth Harbour.

I was lucky enough to board the ship on only her second day of being open to the public (back in 1987), and she is breath-taking in her restored detail. Rescued from service as a lowly fuel barge, she was carefully restored/rebuilt over many years as a vital example of a transitional naval ship of the line in an era when wood was still the chief construction material. Indeed, her appearance in 1860 hastened the end of the age of wood and the inception of the era of iron and steel in naval construction.

The book shows all aspects of the ship, including many showing aspects hard to see on a visit to the real thing. The book serves equally well as an introduction before a visit--and as a great visual record afterwards of what you've seen.

Review by - Chris Sterling

image of SS Great Britain

SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Brunel, was the first ocean-going vessel to be screw-driven and built entirely of iron.

When she was launched in 1843 she was twice the size of any previous ship and her revolutionary design heralded a complete break with traditional ship construction. As is the case for many historic ships, however, there is a surprising shortage of informative and well illustrated guides, for reference during a visit or for research by enthusiasts - ship modellers, naval buffs, historians or students.

This new series redresses the gap. Written by experts and containing more than 200 specially commissioned photographs, each title takes the reader on a superbly illustrated tour of the ship, from bow to stern and deck by deck. Significant parts of the vessel – for example, the propeller, steering gear, engine and accommodation – are given detailed coverage both in words and pictures, so that the reader has at hand the most complete visual record and explanation of the ship that exists.

No other books offer such superb visual impact and detailed information as the Seaforth Historic Ship Series – a truly ground-breaking concept bringing the ships of our past vividly to life.

Preview from Amazon

Image of HMS Trincomalee

HMS Trincomalee

HMS Trincomalee belonged to a class of 38-gun Fifth Rates which was the Royal Navy's standard frigate type during the Napoleonic Wars. Built in India of teak, she is now beautifully restored at Hartlepool, and she can justly claim to be the last of Nelson's frigates.

Containing more than 200 specially commissioned photographs, this work takes the reader on a superbly illustrated tour of the ship, from bow to stern. The gun decks, her mast, spars and rigging, and her aft accommodation are all given detailed coverage both in words and pictures, providing a complete visual record of the ship.

In addition, the importance of the ship, both in her own time and now as a museum vessel, is explained, while her design, build, and her career prior to restoration and exhibition, are all described.

Preview from Amazon

Available to buy from Amazon