Barrack Ships

[Urchin]

Barrack ships in Portsmouth. Many veterans of the Age of Sail were used as barrack ships well into the 20th century, a practice that insured the survival of some, including USS Constitution and HMS Victory.

[Hethwill]

Not only after but actually during the era. Officers and enlisted men had to go through a "barracks ship" to get accustomed to the place, drills, space, routines, etc before setting on a cruise, no matter how short.

Also many post Napoleon I wars RN men did serve their first commissions aboard the Victory at anchor, and other similar hulks. Simulating gunnery ( no powder, just the drills ), etc.

Very cool photo.

[Archer11]

http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/portsmouth/shipyard/ships/constitution/constitutionpc3f.jpg

Somehow sad to see the Constitution in this state, but on the other hand, that's probably the cause for her still being around.

Edited August 6, 2020 by Archer11

[Urchin]

Thanks for that photo Archer. 

[Nick the cursed]

I read some books, some was speakin' 'bout barrack ships and got some reads 'bout "Prison ships" this pic was in a book, at Portsmouth, too, and looks a bit like HMS Vic, nah? Maybe i'm wrong...

[Surcouf]

Some examples of French barracks ships. In bad shape...

[Archer11]

9 hours ago, Urchin said:

Thanks for that photo Archer. 

some more there:

http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/portsmouth/shipyard/ships/constitution/constitution.html