Eleanor Finch
The HMS Victory and the USS Constitution are two of the oldest naval vessels in the world. The HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate wooden sailing ship ordered for the Royal Navy in 1758. It was floated out in 1765 and is currently preserved in a dry dock in Portsmouth, England. The USS Constitution, launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1797, is one of the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy and is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. With over 247 years of service, the HMS Victory is older than the USS Constitution by 30 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | HMS Victory is older, launched in 1765; USS Constitution launched in 1797 |
| Origin | HMS Victory is British; USS Constitution is American |
| Battles | HMS Victory fought in many battles, including the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805; USS Constitution saw action in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars, and the War of 1812 |
| Active Service | HMS Victory is a museum ship in Portsmouth, active service 1778-1812; USS Constitution is still a commissioned US Navy ship, active service 1797-1881, 1997-present |
| Nicknames | HMS Victory - 'The Ship of the Line'; USS Constitution - 'Old Ironsides' |
| Construction | HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line; USS Constitution is a 44-gun frigate |
| Length | HMS Victory is 227 ft (69 m); USS Constitution is 204 ft (62.2 m) |
| Beam | HMS Victory: 52 ft (15.8 m); USS Constitution: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m) |
| Draft | HMS Victory: 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m); USS Constitution: 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Displacement | HMS Victory: 3,500 tons; USS Constitution: 2,200 tons |
| Sail Area | HMS Victory: 5,400 square yards; USS Constitution: 3,400 square yards |
| Speed | HMS Victory: 10 knots; USS Constitution: 13 knots |
| Complement | HMS Victory: 850 crew; USS Constitution: 450 crew |
| Armament | HMS Victory: 104 guns; USS Constitution: 44 guns (upgraded to 55 guns later) |
| Current Status | HMS Victory: Museum ship; USS Constitution: Active US Navy ship and museum |
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What You'll Learn
The HMS Victory is older, built in 1765
The HMS Victory is the older of the two ships, built in 1765. It is a 104-gun first-rate wooden sailing ship of the line, with 247 years of service as of 2025, making it the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission. The HMS Victory was ordered for the Royal Navy in 1758 during the Seven Years' War and was laid down in 1759. Its construction took 6,000 trees, 90% of them oak. The HMS Victory was first commissioned in March 1778 during the American Revolutionary War and saw action at the First Battle of Ushant in 1778. It has also been featured in various films and TV shows, including the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables and the BBC's 1995 period drama Persuasion.
The USS Constitution, on the other hand, was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1797. It is one of the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy and is renowned in American history. It played a significant role in the War of 1812, achieving a memorable victory over the British frigate Guerriere on August 19, 1812, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull. The USS Constitution is also known by the nickname "Old Ironsides," earned during the War of 1812 when American sailors witnessed British shots failing to penetrate the ship's sturdy oak sides.
Both ships have a rich history and are considered iconic in their respective countries. The HMS Victory, being older, showcases the advancements in shipbuilding and naval warfare during the latter part of the 18th century. Its design and construction used a significant number of trees, reflecting the materials and craftsmanship required for such vessels. The USS Constitution, though younger, holds a special place in American naval history, with its victories and endurance earning it a lasting legacy.
The HMS Victory is currently preserved in a drydock at Portsmouth, England, while the USS Constitution is on display in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the glory and challenges of naval warfare aboard these historic vessels.
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The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797, on October 21, in Boston, Massachusetts, and was one of the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy. The Constitution is 204 feet (62 metres) long, with a displacement of 2,200 tons and a gun range of 1,200 yards (1,100 metres).
The USS Constitution began its service by participating in the Quasi-War with France from 1798 to 1800 and in the First Barbary War from 1801 to 1805. During the War of 1812, it achieved a significant victory over the British frigate HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812, earning its nickname, "Old Ironsides". This nickname was inspired by the American sailors' observation of British shots failing to penetrate the ship's sturdy oak sides. The USS Constitution went on to win several other battles, including against HMS Java and HMS Cyane and HMS Levant, adding to its renown.
Despite facing deterioration and challenges over the years, the USS Constitution was preserved due to public sentiment and Oliver Wendell Holmes' influential poem, "Old Ironsides". The ship underwent repairs and recommissioning over the decades, serving in various regions and continuing to play a role in naval history. Today, the USS Constitution's mission is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and participation in public events.
The USS Constitution is currently berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where it remains open to the public and continues to be a symbol of the U.S. Navy's proud history.
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The HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate ship
The HMS Victory's gun capacity was increased from 100 to 104 guns during a refit in 1800. The interior of the powder magazine was sheathed in copper to reduce the risk of sparks and protect against rodents. The ship's stern galleries were closed in, providing more cabin space and better protection in rough weather. In 1803, the Victory was repainted in black and white, the new standard for Royal Navy ships. During another refit in 1806, the 24-pound guns on the middle deck were swapped for 18-pounders.
The HMS Victory fought at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, carrying 30 32-pounders on the lower deck, 28 24-pounders on the middle deck, and 30 12-pounders on the upper deck, for a total of 104 guns. There was also a single 18-pounder slide-mounted carronade kept in the hold for use in boat actions. The ship's gun ports were originally yellow to match the hull but were later repainted black, creating a pattern known as Nelson's checkerboard.
The HMS Victory served as a harbour ship from 1824 until 1922 when it was dry-docked in Portsmouth, England, for repairs. It is now maintained as a museum ship and has been the flagship of the First Sea Lord since October 2012. With 247 years of service as of 2025, the HMS Victory stands as a testament to naval history and tradition, proudly bearing the title of the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission.
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The USS Constitution is a frigate
The USS Constitution is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate. It was constructed with timbers from Maine to Georgia, and copper bolts and spikes supplied by Paul Revere. Its hull was built 21 inches thick, with a length of 204 feet and a width of 43 feet, 6 inches. The ship's bolts and copper sheathing on the bottom were made by silversmith and patriot Paul Revere.
The USS Constitution is rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns and a crew of around 450. Ships of this era had no permanent battery of guns, and commanding officers outfitted armaments according to their preferences. The guns and cannons were designed to be completely portable and were often exchanged between ships as needed.
The USS Constitution has a rich history and played a significant role in American naval tradition. It achieved notable victories during the War of 1812, including a victory over the British frigate HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812. Tradition has it that during this battle, the ship was dubbed "Old Ironsides" by American sailors who witnessed British shots failing to penetrate its oak sides. The USS Constitution was removed from active service in 1882 and is now on display in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where it is visited by over 500,000 people each year.
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The HMS Victory is preserved in a drydock in Portsmouth, England
The HMS Victory is one of the most famous icons of British naval history. It is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, having served for over two and a half centuries. The ship is currently preserved in a drydock in Portsmouth, England, where it has been since 1922.
The story of the HMS Victory's preservation began in 1910, when the Society for Nautical Research was formed to campaign for the ship's conservation. However, they were unable to secure the necessary backing, and the ship continued to deteriorate. By 1921, the ship was in a dilapidated state, and a public campaign was launched, with shipping magnate Sir James Caird donating generously to the Save the Victory fund.
On December 16, 1921, the HMS Victory entered the No. 1 basin at Portsmouth Dockyard, where it was discovered that the ship had sustained significant damage. The following year, in 1922, the Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Doveton Sturdee, issued a public plea in The Times for public donations to support the preservation efforts. The ship was formally opened to the public in 1928 by King George V and has been accessible for visitors ever since.
Today, the HMS Victory is a popular attraction at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, welcoming visitors all year round. Visitors can explore the ship, including Nelson's private cabin, and learn about the Battle of Trafalgar and the conservation work being undertaken. The National Museum of the Royal Navy is currently undertaking a multi-million-pound restoration project, utilizing groundbreaking technology and specialist skills to ensure the ship's preservation for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
HMS Victory is older than USS Constitution. HMS Victory was launched in 1765 and USS Constitution was launched in 1797.
HMS Victory is 30 years older than USS Constitution.
HMS Victory is bigger than USS Constitution. HMS Victory has a displacement of 3500 tons, a length of 227 feet, and a crew of 800. USS Constitution has a displacement of 2200 tons, a length of 175 feet, and a crew of 450.
Both ships are renowned in their respective countries' naval histories. While HMS Victory is the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission, USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
