Reply To: 18th century shipbuilding – use of beech for "walls"

[Nicholas Blake]

Admiral Smyth says the walls of a ship are that part of her sides between the tumblehome and the water, so possibly the author means wales. On 20 June 1787 the Admiralty issued a warrant that authorised the use of timber other than oak in specified parts of a ship, because of the scarcity of oak. Beech, fir and elm were listed. Elm was to be used for ‘the garboard strake and 5 or 6 strakes cut’, and beech ‘from thence to the light draughts of water’, ‘if the ship is soon to be put into the water not exceeding 3 months, otherwise to be East Country plank’. Beech was also used in the hold and orlop, and elsewhere, for example pillars on the gundeck. The reference is TNA: ADM 106/2509, no 496.