The Large Sailing Ship in the Reign of Richard IId

Print
The vessel shown here would have been used on rivers and coastal waters only. By the 14th century most sea-going ships began to be built with straight sternposts instead of the curved ends on vessels like the one shown here. Sailors found it was easier to steer ships if the steering oar was fixed onto the sternpost. This stern rudder made even the heaviest boat easier to steer. Whatever their design, merchant ships needed to be strong and roomy enough to carry large cargoes.

Object Details

ID: PAI8514
Type: Print
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Collyer, Josiah
Date made: 14C
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 89 x 98 mm