The Sinews of War: Manning and Provisioning English Fighting Ships c.1550-1650

Abstract

This article surveys the methods of recruitment of complements for both royal and private fighting ships and their provisioning. It demonstrates how inadequacies and problems reflected the administrative and political fragility of the early modern state. While, on the one hand, wars drained resources and threatened regimes, they also stimulated the growth and development of naval forces and the professionalism of those manning them. The results of the survey also show how much can sometimes be achieved despite poor manning and inadequate provisions.

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Filed under: Tudors | Francis Drake | Dutch Wars | The Armada | Mutiny & Discipline | Health at Sea | Press Gangs
Subjects include: Administration | Manpower & Life at Sea | Navies | Pirates, Corsairs & Privateers