Previous to the construction of this ship, vessels were built in the style of the Venetian galley, which although well adapted for the quiet Mediterranean, were not suited for the stormy northern ocean.

The fighting ships also of the time of Henry VIII.

and Elizabeth were too full of "top-hamper" for modern navigation.

They were oppressed by high forecastles and poops.

Pett struck out entirely new ideas in the build and lines of his new ship; and the course which he adopted had its effect upon all future marine structures.