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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Royal Navy
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Known as the senior service among the *armed forces, because there was a permanent fleet at the king's disposal for many centuries before there was a standing army. Alfred the Great established a navy in the 9C, and by the 13C there was an official called 'keeper of the king's ships'. Henry VIII had a fleet of some 80 vessels, with the *Great Harry as his flagship. In the 17C the Admiralty was established as the government department in charge of the navy, headed by the first lord of the Admiralty – a political appointment. By contrast the serving officer in command of the navy has been the first sea lord (now known as chief of naval staff and first sea lord). The Admiralty was abolished in 1964 and was replaced by the naval department of the Ministry of Defence.
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