Edward Reed (naval architect)

Sir Edward James Reed KCB FRS (20 September 1830 – 30 November 1906) was a British naval architect, Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy (1863–1870), Member of Parliament, and prolific writer.

Reed was born in Sheerness, Kent, and entered naval service as an apprentice shipwright in 1842. He rose through the ranks, demonstrating a keen aptitude for naval architecture. Although lacking formal higher education, his practical experience and insightful analysis of shipbuilding techniques earned him recognition.

In 1863, at the young age of 33, Reed was appointed Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy, succeeding Isaac Watts. This appointment marked a significant shift towards embracing technological advancements in warship design. During his tenure, Reed oversaw the transition from wooden sailing ships to ironclad warships powered by steam engines. He was responsible for designing many innovative vessels, including the HMS Bellerophon, HMS Hercules, and HMS Monarch. These ships represented a significant step forward in naval technology, incorporating thicker armor, more powerful weaponry, and advanced steam propulsion systems. He championed turreted warships, exemplified by the HMS Monarch, and advocated for balanced designs that considered speed, firepower, and protection.

Reed's tenure as Chief Constructor was marked by both innovation and controversy. He frequently clashed with senior officers in the Royal Navy over design philosophies and the relative importance of different features in warships. His designs were sometimes criticized for being too radical or for prioritizing certain characteristics over others. In 1870, frustrated by bureaucratic interference and disagreements over naval policy, Reed resigned his position.

Following his resignation, Reed entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for Pembroke from 1874 to 1880 and for Cardiff from 1880 to 1895. He continued to write extensively on naval matters and remained a prominent voice in discussions about naval policy and shipbuilding technology. Reed also served as a naval architect consultant, advising various foreign governments on warship design.

Reed was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1876 and was knighted in 1880. His contributions to naval architecture were widely recognized, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the development of modern warships. His writings include "Shipbuilding in Iron and Steel" and "Our Iron-Clad Ships: Their Qualities, Performance and Cost."

He died in London in 1906.