Since the Age of Discovery mainly in 16th centry, many strong Europe countries fight for the hegemony of the sea. First Spain took control over the East trade due to their distinguished navigation system and their well-designed battleships.
Britain was the strongest enemy for Spain that they fought many times.
For example, King Felipe Ⅱ and Queen Elizabeth Ⅰ.
King Felipe Ⅱ
Queen Elizabeth Ⅰ
Soon, a new country expanded its power to Europe. It was the Ottoman Empire. Britain was always on the verge of losing its power on the sea.
Going through many battles, Britain developed their navigation system and started to settle down all over the world. Britain expanded their colonization and built many bases of world trade.
The great contribution of Greenwich made Britain become intense, powerful country of the world at that time, which soon entered into the golden age.