Ships of the early 17th century: pictures

[bruce d]

29 minutes ago, Backer said:

Also interesting

 

Hello Patrick, yes it is interesting but  ... see this thread to find what others think of it as a reliable source:

 

🤐

[Baker]

1 hour ago, bruce d said:

Hello Patrick, yes it is interesting but  ... see this thread to find what others think of it as a reliable source:

 

🤐

Indeed 🤐

[Mark P]

Good Evening Gentlemen;

 

Thank you all very much for your thoughts and ideas. The float with the buss is interesting; such things were very common in that period. Inigo Jones, England's first classical architect (since the collapse of Roman rule!) started his career designing elaborate settings for masques and other celebrations. The cost was normally very high, and was one of the many reasons that James I was permanently broke; and his Navy was even broker. 

 

The importance of fishing was officially recognised around this time, not just for food, but as a breeding ground for sailors, who would then (more or less willingly, of course) become available for the Navy's ships. As part of this there was a royally-sponsored organisation set up called the 'Society of Fishing' (if my memory is correct) This was open to anyone who wanted to pay the annual subscription, which was used to encourage interest in and the development of, fishing. In this way, subscribers could 'do their bit' to foster the success of the Navy, and also get some return on their money, hopefully. However, the success of fishing was very much dependent upon the success of the Navy in catching and preventing pirate vessels from operating. The records of the time contain many references to both the success of some warships in catching pirates; but also many complaints from ship owners and crew who have had their livelihood and perhaps their freedom taken from them by pirates who evaded any Navy ships; as well as appeals for compensation, and desperate pleadings for a Naval escort for fishing and merchant vessels, which dared not venture to sea because of the pirates lurking offshore. The Navy Commissioners, or Navy Board, were frequently too broke to send ships to sea to deal with this; and often those ships which could be made seaworthy had problems with both manning them and obtaining victuals; and also with getting their guns and powder delivered from the Ordnance stores. Definitely not the Navy's proudest moment!

 

Backer, thanks for posting the link, you weren't to know that it had been discussed previously; it's the thought that counts, and taking the trouble to respond. All much appreciated. 

 

All the best,

 

Mark P