The Ships Cat

On this day the 23rd March 1660 the famous English diarist and navy clerk wrote in his diary - 23rd. Up early, carried my Lord’s will in a black box to Mr. William Montagu for him to keep for him. Then to the barber’s and put on my cravat there. So to my Lord again, who was almost ready to be gone and had staid for me. Hither came Gilb. Holland, and brought me a stick rapier and Shelston a sugar-loaf, and had brought his wife who he said was a very pretty woman to the Ship tavern hard by for me to see but I could not go. Young Reeve also brought me a little perspective glass which I bought for my Lord, it cost me 8s. So after that my Lord in Sir H. Wright’s coach with Captain Isham, Mr. Thomas, John Crew, W. Howe, and I in a Hackney to the Tower, where the barges staid for us; my Lord and the Captain in one, and W. Howe and I, &c., in the other, to the Long Reach, where the Swiftsure lay at anchor; (in our way we saw the great breach which the late high water had made, to the loss of many L1000 to the people about Limehouse.) Soon as my Lord on board, the guns went off bravely from the ships. And a little while after comes the Vice-Admiral Lawson, and seemed very respectful to my Lord, and so did the rest of the Commanders of the frigates that were thereabouts. I to the cabin allotted for me, which was the best that any had that belonged to my Lord. I got out some things out of my chest for writing and to work presently, Mr. Burr and I both. I supped at the deck table with Mr. Sheply. We were late writing of orders for the getting of ships ready, &c.; and also making of others to all the seaports between Hastings and Yarmouth, to stop all dangerous persons that are going or coming between Flanders and there. After that to bed in my cabin, which was but short; however I made shift with it and slept very well, and the weather being good I was not sick at all yet, I know not what I shall be. Pepys Diary - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4200

Such a shame this happened. I was hoping to tell the story of the drunken bosun trying to add a heaped tablespoon of water to his rice.

I don't visit very often so don't keep up. But if my thread "Them Old Jokes" has anything to do with things then I'm very sorry for it. I'm just back from an Arabian adventure with the drunken bosun where he bought emergency powdered water, we got into the desert and he realised he had nothing to mix it with. And now this.

Welcome welcome ship mate. You and most of the ships crew won't know me but I've been knocking about silently for thousands of years keeping ships and their crews clean and safe. Welcome aboard shipmate and don't forget the catnip.

On this day 1664 Samuel Pepys (Navy board) knowing very little of ships or ship construction applies himself to learning one of the things that would one day enable him to professionalise the Royal Navy. 12th. March 1664 ...Mr. Stacy with some company of pretty women, I took him aside to a room by ourselves, and there talked with him about the several sorts of tarrs, and so by and by parted, and I walked home and there late at the office, and so home to supper and to bed. One year later he's concerned with the corruption and mismanagement in the Navy... 12th. March 1665 ...By and by comes in my Lord, and he and I to talke of many things in the Navy, one from another, in general, to see how the greatest things are committed to very ordinary men, as to parts and experience, to do; among others, my Lord Barkeley. And two years later we see the affects of the mishandling of the Navy which Pepys so much wished to change graphically demonstrated. 12th. March 1667 ...This day a poor seaman, almost starved for want of food, lay in our yard a-dying. I sent him half-a-crown, and we ordered his ticket to be paid.

An absolute masterpiece. It really wouldn't suprise me if this beautiful bone ship fired bone cannon balls with bone gunpowder at its completion. Good enough to grace any museum anywhere in the world imho.

Doubtless you've read it but I'll post the link just incase someone would like to peruse this interesting journal. Abel Janszoon Tasman's Journal http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0600571h.html

Incredible stuff! If you're sending out Christmas cards next year I'll have an HMS Victory in 1/72 scale please. I showed a mate Tarjacks bone ship yesterday and he was stunned. When I tell him your ship is made out of paper and card I'm not sure he'll believe me. It's truly refreshing to see such artistry still practiced in this age of gadgets and instant fulfillment. Amazing! Best Wishes, TSC.

An amazing build, I absolutely marvel at your work everytime I come up from the hold. (Mouse clearance, important cat business). It's a complete delight to see this masterpiece in progress. Best wishes for the future. TSC

July 14th 1770 - James Cook is repairing Endeavour and makes the first accurate recorded description of the kangaroo.

Stunning!

Learnt a ton from this build. Clear, concise and precise descriptions with a wealth of knowledge usually bought not given. Thanks. Absolutely awesome, a thoroughly compelling read. Thanks again. Charlie TSC.

Thanks very much. How I missed that link I'll never know, couldn't see the wood for the trees I guess. Thanks again. TSC.

Hi, I'm saving for an Endeavour kit and had decided upon a Caldercraft kit. Every so often I see a Caldercraft Endeavour Jotika and it's confusing me as to what if any differences there are. Can anyone enlighten me before I make a purchase please, is Jotika superior? Thanks very much. TSC

Your toe bone connected to your foot bone, Your foot bone connected to your ankle bone, Your ankle bone connected to your leg bone, Your leg bone connected to your knee bone, Your knee bone connected to your thigh bone, Your thigh bone connected to your.....ship bone, Your ship bone connected to your...Heart bone? An incredible labour of love, you must be deeply attached to dem dry bones by now. The story at the start made me lol too. Thanks for sharing this amazing build. TSC **************************************************************************************

I accidentally stumbled upon this build about two or so years back, I'm so pleased to see it once again. Shipwright, master carpenter, teacher and mentor don't even begin to describe your many talents Gary. Best wishes with the rest of the build, simply incredible. TSC