Why British battleships carried such heavy armour

Claims about national fire-control superiority are difficult to test for pre-dreadnoughts because the expected fleet battle did not occur before the dreadnought era. British armour choices may instead reflect a practical assessment that long-range fire could score hits without destroying the enemy. Interwar Royal Navy work on cruiser armament made a related calculation when it favoured 6-inch guns over 8-inch weapons at the ranges where useful hit rates were expected. A doctrine centred on sinking an opponent would make closing the range, and carrying heavier protection while doing so, especially important. This is an informed design interpretation rather than a documented official statement.