Surveyor of the Navy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Office of the Surveyor of the Navy |
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Ensign of the Royal Navy
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| Department of the Admiralty | |
| Member of | Navy Board (1546-1832), Board of Admiralty (1832-1848) |
| Reports to | First Lord of the Admiralty |
| Nominator | First Lord of the Admiralty |
| Appointer | Prime Minister
Subject to formal approval by the Queen-in-Council
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| Term length | Not fixed (typically 3–7 years) |
| Inaugural holder | Benjamin Gonson |
| Formation | 1546-1869 |
The Surveyor of the Navy was an important job in the Royal Navy in the past. This person, or sometimes a group of people, was in charge of designing British warships. They also oversaw how ships were built and repaired.
The job was first called Surveyor and Rigger of the Navy. It was part of the Navy Board from 1546 until 1832. Later, it became part of the Board of Admiralty from 1848 to 1859. In 1860, the name changed to Controller of The Navy. This role continued until 1869, when it joined with the job of the Third Sea Lord.
History of the Surveyor's Role
Starting the Job: 1546
The role of Surveyor of the Navy began in 1546. This was during the time of Henry VIII of England. At first, the job was known as Surveyor and Rigger of the Navy.
Designing Ships: How it Worked
For a long time, the actual design work for warships was done by skilled builders. These builders were called Master Shipwrights. Each Royal Dockyard had its own Master Shipwright. They were responsible for the ships built there.
However, the Surveyor's office was important for ships built by private companies. These private builders were used mostly during wartime. This was when the Royal Dockyards were too busy. The Surveyor's office would draw the designs. Private shipbuilders then had to follow these plans.
Centralizing Design: 1745 Onwards
From 1745, the main responsibility for ship design moved to the Surveyor's office. The Master Shipwrights in the dockyards then focused on making sure the designs were built correctly.
Changes in Responsibility: 1832 and Beyond
Before 1832, the Navy Board was in charge of building, fitting out, and repairing ships. The Surveyor of the Navy was a key officer in this. They would estimate what supplies were needed each year. They also checked ship supplies and kept records of repairs. Over time, many of these duties moved to the Comptroller of the Navy.
In 1832, the Navy Board was closed down. All its duties then came under the control of the Board of Admiralty. The job of Comptroller was also ended. The Surveyor's role became even more important. After 1832, the Surveyor was responsible for the material departments under the First Sea Lord. In 1848, the Surveyor became a permanent member of the Board of Admiralty.
In 1859, the name of the job changed to Controller of the Navy. This lasted until 1869. At that point, the job joined with the office of the Third Naval Lord.
Important People in the Role
Early Surveyors: 1546–1611
Here are some of the first people to hold this important job:
- Vice-Admiral, Sir Thomas Spert, 1524–1541
- Benjamin Gonson, 1546–1549
- Admiral Sir William Wynter, started 1549
- Rear-Admiral Sir Henry Palmer, started 1589
- Sir John Trevor, 1598–1611
Many people held the title of Surveyor of the Navy over these years. Sometimes, two people shared the job. This allowed for different ship designs to be compared.
- Sir Richard Bingley, 1611–1619
- Thomas Norreys, 1619–1625
- Sir Thomas Aylesbury, 1628
- Vice-Admiral William Batten, 1638
- Sir John Tippetts, 1672
- Jacob Ackworth, 1715
- Thomas Slade and William Bately (jointly), 1755
- Sir William Symonds, 1832–1847
- Sir Baldwin Wake Walker, 1848–1859
After 1859, the job was called Controller of the Navy.
- Rear-Admiral Sir Baldwin Wake Walker, 1859–1861
- Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Robinson, 1861–1869
In 1869, the Controller of the Navy's job was combined with the office of the Third Naval Lord.
Timeline of the Office
- 1546–1832: The Surveyor of the Navy was part of the Navy Board.
- 1832–1859: The Surveyor of the Navy was part of the Board of Admiralty.
- 1859–1912: The Controller of the Navy was part of the Board of Admiralty.
- 1913–1958: The role continued as the Directorate of Naval Construction.
- 1959–1964: The role was known as the Ship Department, Naval Construction Division.
