Heart of Oak is an online blog dedicated to bringing the rich and storied naval heritage of Britain and the Commonwealth realms to life. Spanning the sweep of maritime history—from the shadowy waters of the Medieval Dark Ages to the tense standoffs of the Cold War—it explores the evolution of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval power across the centuries. Whether charting the voyages of Henry VIII’s proud carracks or the thunderous might of the steel-clad dreadnoughts that defined the twentieth century, Heart of Oak invites readers to discover the people, ships, and battles that shaped the course of the seas and the destiny of Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
At Heart of Oak, we strive to bring history to life in a manner that is both engaging and responsible. Our purpose is not to glorify the past, but to understand it—to illuminate the human stories, the courage, and the complexity behind the events that shaped maritime heritage. We seek to remember with respect, acknowledging all sides of the story, and giving voice to those whose experiences have too often been overlooked. Here, there is no place for political propaganda or partisan distortion—only a commitment to truth, balance, and thoughtful reflection on the past.
Heart of Oak 