Look up to the ship
This ship is one of two which once stood on the roof of Trinity House
almshouses on Mile End Road. These marble models are very important, as
they show the design of late 17th-century English warships. The ship is a
4th Rate with 42 guns. Navy ships were rated according to how many guns
they carried. 4th Rate ships were quite small and had crews of 350 men
(1st Rate ships had up to 120 guns and 850 men).
Almshouses
The almshouses were built by Trinity House in 1695. '28 decayed Masters
and Commanders of Ships, or the widows of such' lived there. The
almshouses how have replicas of the ship models on the south side where
the originals once stood.
Trinity House
In the 17th century, Trinity House was a public authority. It licensed
pilots and watermen, and kept the Thames clear for ships. It examined
sailing masters for the Navy Board, recruited seamen and hired merchant
ships, which were often used in war.
More information on Trinity House from the Port Cities website
Museum number 97.94/1
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