HMS Victory Restoration Uses French Oak

HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's historic flagship, is undergoing restoration using oak sourced from France due to the insufficient quality of British timber. This £45 million project, managed by the National Museum of The Royal Navy, has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing outrage at the irony of using wood from a former enemy. Project manager Simon Williams noted that the French forests are 'superiorly managed', which justifies the decision despite historical tensions. Notably, even Nelson himself was concerned about the state of British forests during his time. Retired naval officers have commented that Nelson would likely find the situation ironic but acceptable. The restoration is expected to be completed by 2035, ensuring the preservation of this iconic vessel.