Navy Records Society facts for kids
The Navy Records Society is a group created in 1893 to publish historical documents about the Royal Navy, which is the navy of the United Kingdom. It was started by two main leaders, Professor Sir John Knox Laughton and Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge. They wanted to create a society that would find and share the real stories and papers from Britain's naval past.
The idea was based on other successful groups like the Hakluyt Society. The society quickly became popular, and even the famous American naval expert, Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, was one of the first members from outside the UK.
For over 130 years, the society has published books filled with original documents. These books give us a direct look into the past, covering everything from famous naval heroes like Horatio Nelson to the details of how ships were built and what strategies were used in battles.
What Kind of History Do They Publish?
The society publishes books that explore many different parts of naval history. Instead of just telling a story, these books show you the actual evidence from the past, like letters, official reports, and diaries.
Some of the topics covered in their books include:
- The lives and decisions of famous naval commanders.
- The story of the Fleet Air Arm, the navy's branch of aircraft and pilots, during World War II.
- How the relationship between the British and American navies changed over time.
- The rules and punishments used in the navy hundreds of years ago through records of courts martial (military trials).
- The history of important naval bases, like the Chatham Dockyard.
By publishing these records, the society helps everyone understand the real challenges and triumphs of the Royal Navy throughout history.
History Goes Digital
The Navy Records Society doesn't just publish books. It also has an Online Magazine where it shares an ever-growing collection of British naval records on the internet. This online archive features documents from museums and even from private collections, which means people can see items that might otherwise stay hidden away.
New documents are added to the website at least once a month. Each new item comes with a detailed introduction that explains why it is important. The society also provides links to related items at the Royal Museums Greenwich and sometimes includes videos. Members of the society can even comment on the documents and share their own knowledge, making history a fun and interactive experience.
