This is what happens when you leave engineers and historical reenactors unsupervised. Showcased on the History Hit YouTube channel, we get to see just how powerful and how dangerous an 18th century cannon can be.
This rare cannon, the kind used at the battle of Trafalgar by Lord Nelson’s men, boasts the ability to launch cannonballs over a staggering distance, harkening back to an era of naval warfare in the Age of Sail. With a target stationed 600 meters (a third of a mile) away, constructed from robust oak planks, the objective is clear: utter destruction.
However, this isn’t merely an examination of firepower; it’s a glimpse into history. The cannon’s bore is meticulously prepared, the equipment carefully studied, and the cannonball’s trajectory calculated. Awaiting the signal, the deafening discharge reverberates, accompanied by an intense shockwave.
The aftermath is profound. The grass before the cannon is decimated, an indicator of the unleashed power. Imagining this force multiplied on the decks of HMS Victory, armed with a 104 cannons, is staggering.
The range is then shortened to a more telling 60 meters, only 200 feet away. The outcome is resounding, with a neatly pierced oak plank and a chilling field of splinters. This would have been a calamitous sight on a crowded naval vessel’s gun deck, highlighting the carnage that would have ensued. A final shot reaffirms the cannon’s accuracy, underscoring its devastating potential.
Now that’s a lot of damage!
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Top image: An 18th century cannon is capable of causing a lot of damage. Source: Fotosdenada / Adobe Stock.
