Historical Research: Portsmouth & Navy

On October 21st, 1805 the Battle of Trafalgar brought victory to the British fleet, specifically gaining a win over Spanish and French troops. Tension continued amongst both British and United States troops, increasing the need for naval officers in their fleets. In 1812, around the time that Austen was going to begin Mansfield Park, the United States invaded Canada. Between 1793 and 1815 the Royal Navy had lost 344 of its vessels and more than 100 seamen. It seems William Price was lucky to have entered the navy at the tail end of a somewhat disastrous era for the Navy. 

Fanny's relationship with William as well as Austen's own relationship with her brother's (who were both serving in the navy) often circulated around the area of Portsmouth.  Not only did it serve as a major port for those training in the navy during the time, but it was also Fanny and William Price's hometown. Austen would often meet her brother's in Portsmouth when they came home from sea. The atmosphere in the military town was notorious for being dysfunctional - riots, debauchery and gang violence were some of the few delinquencies that the area was most famous for. The naval dockyard specifically mentioned in Mansfield Park was actually located in a nearby town called Portsea. Many sailors during the time would wait in the Isle of Wright for orders, five miles from Portsmouth, blockading it from the English Channel.