Some of the most culturally recognised things associated with Britain might be James Thomson's 'Rule Britannia' song and the mandatory tourist attraction Trafalgar Square in London. However, while these two things alone signify a strong connection in British culture to its nautical roots, it is curious that this emphasis on the Royal Navy and the hero admirals of the past should remain today where Britain no longer rules the waves or even attempt to do so. By analysing the symbolic value of some of the most recognisable ships in British naval service - the battleships - this thesis seeks to demonstrate a close connection between the ships, the Royal Navy, and Britain's cultural identity. Battleships such as the HMS Dreadnought strengthened the image of the Royal Navy by symbolising national and maritime strength and unity where the Loss of HMS Hood or the indecisive outcome at the Battle of Jutland weakened the image of Britain's naval superiority. In following the battleship from its early predecessor, the battleship of the line to the last battleship in active service, it becomes clear that the image of Britain's naval strength mirrored the image of the battleships and when they disappeared, Britannia no longer ruled the waves.