Designing a military city, Williamstown Australia

I'm rehashing some hold pictures, I'm not sure if I have used them on Hive over the years but just Incase giving you a heads up.

The British Navy was a dominant force to be challenged back not too far ago in history. It's dominance is what led to the British Empire controlling most the world but they were only feared while in operation. While they rest on docks they were at risk of being destroyed so it was paramount that the Royal Navy were kept safe.

The year was 1803 when Europeans first arrived to inspect the local area as they searched for a location to host the capital city. The debate emerged as three locations were being selected which included current day Melbourne, Geelong and Williamstown. However, Melbourne came out the winner as it has access to the Yarra River and an endless supply of fresh water.

However, due to the locations ability to host Anchorage, security of the bay and circular formation it rose as a place for its own purpose. A port which mainly housed her majesties Royal Navy.

Many of the buildings were erected in the early 1800s by settlers who drew on inspiration from mother England but with more of a European style. Many of the buildings remain today and are heritage listed meaning they can not be damaged or demolished. Instead many now serve a new purpose as restaurants and cafes and a bustling night life pre covid.

Up until recently the port was still being used by the military to develop and build submarines and naval ships. In fact HMAS Castlemain was a world war II boat that was built in Williamstown which is currently on display and still operational.

Although the ship has been demilitarised and weapons have been made non functional, you're allowed to go on board and take a tour of the vessel.

As you can see I had plenty of fun walking around and pretending to use the big guns. Mind you, I'm quite a large bloke and people in WW2 were alot smaller than what I was. So how they would handle these monster weapons is amazing.

Where I'd probably be able to use the guns, I'd fail in the cabin quarters and ship hall ways which are quite narrow.

Source

**So how did they defend the port and Melbourne? **

Well, with bigger cannons silly! All along the bay in Melbourne are these old school gun powder cannons. Many have rusted away, been filled in or left to rot. But in Williamstown the cannons have been maintained and are still OPERATIONAL! in 2013 the cannons were reignited and fired (blanks) into the ocean to celebrate 125 years of the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club.

It does pose the question though, imagine if there was an intruder that entered the bay and made it all the way down to this location. Back then technology was low so to get here would be a mission in itself. But how would these cannons fair? I guess wind powered boats take time to turn which leaves them wide open to a flying ball. I'm not even sure what the lethal distence of one of these things would be, I wouldn't imagine it to be that far.

I guess it would be enough to stop a boat trying to board and leaving alot of wet enemy soldiers.

Either way make sure you visit this historic city if you're ever in town. There are a heap of awesome early architectural structures that line the shoreline and plenty to do and see.