What is the meaning of HMS Ark Royal?
HMS Ark Royal is the name of several ships of the British Royal Navy, and it has a rich history. Here’s a brief overview:
The first HMS Ark Royal was a 16th-century galleon, launched in 1587 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The ship was named after the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, which symbolized salvation and hope. The original HMS Ark Royal was a warship and played a significant role in the English Armada, a naval expedition sent to defend against the Spanish Armada in 1588.
The name “Ark Royal” has been used by several subsequent British warships, including:
1. HMS Ark Royal (1587) – As mentioned earlier, the original galleon.
2. HMS Ark Royal (1673) – A 70-gun ship of the line that served during the Third Anglo-Dutch War.
3. HMS Ark Royal (1758) – A 74-gun ship of the line that participated in the American Revolutionary War.
4. HMS Ark Royal (1898) – A pre-dreadnought battleship that served during World War I.
5. HMS Ark Royal (1981) – An aircraft carrier, also known as the “Mighty Ark,” which was in service from 1985 to 2011.
The name “Ark Royal” is often associated with British naval tradition, prestige, and excellence. The most recent HMS Ark Royal, the aircraft carrier, was decommissioned in 2011 and is now a museum ship in Portsmouth, England.
In summary, the name “HMS Ark Royal” is steeped in history and represents British naval power, prestige, and symbolism.
