Taking a closer look

Taking a closer look. . , In 2013 and 2014 we undertook a series of studies to improve our understanding of HMS Victory and her significance to help decide the best ways of preserving the ship for the future. , , A highly detailed laser scanning exercise revealed Victory’s true shape and analysis of her structure revealed she was collapsing due to inadequate support. , , In the early 1920s the decision was made to put Victory permanently in dry dock. By 1925 the ship was held up by a cradle of steel supports with only 22 points of contact holding her in place. , , After 160 years afloat this represented a drastic change as the ship was no longer supported by the evenly distributed pressure of water. Over time, 90 years of uneven pressure had caused the decks to drop closer to the keel, forcing the hull to bulge. This movement was also allowing rainwater to seep into the upper decks and planking. , , ( photo captions ) , Left: Bow view of Victory which has been adjusted to exaggerate the distortion in the hull planking , Before A view of the dock bottom showing the former arrangement of the dock cradle. , After The same view of the dock bottom showing the new arrangement of support props.