Launched in 1719, the Royal William was a English man-of-war far
ahead of her time. Because ship rot caused irreversible
damage to the hull structure, the useful life of ships of the
era averaged only six years. To discourage rot, the builders
of the Royal William charred the framing prior to laying the
planking. This innovative technique assured the vessel of a
longer life. Indeed, the Royal William remained in active
service until 1813, nearly a hundred years after her
construction!
