Dr. Stephen Maturin
Sick Bay of the HMS San Domingo, 1812
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what our dear Dr. Maturin’s domain was like, this illustration, drawn to scale and labeled, is an excellent place to start!
The Royal Navy
Just For Fun
The Lost Tiki Lounge’s Definitive Guide To Grog
Have a little history with your alcohol, the better to pretend that you’re not a drunk, you’re an intellectual… Happy summer 🙂
Events
HMS Tribune: Halifax’s First Maritime Disaster is Almost Forgotten
Two months out and hours from port, a debate broke out between the captain and the master. The fateful decision was taken to proceed immediately under the master and the Captain returned to his cabin. […]
Primary Sources
A Digital Map of Ocean Traffic, Mined from Centuries-old Ship’s Logs
Take a vast collection of 18th- and 19th-century ship’s logs (1), digitise their contents and geolocate each entry. Stick those millions of data points, on a blank map of the world, and this extraordinary image […]
Medicine
What Deadly Diseases Look Like On Your Body
This video shows the physical manifestations of diseases from our period and before. Thankfully almost all of these diseases are incredibly rare today, but our dear Stephen would have been familiar with the symptoms if […]
The History
Master and Commander’s Prize Money
*SPOILERS* In Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander, Stephen Maturin, indifferent to wealth but desperately impoverished, accepts Commander “Lucky Jack” Aubrey’s invitation to become ship’s surgeon primarily to avoid starvation.
Events
Nelson: 10 Days That Created a Legend
The iconic naval victories of Admiral Lord Nelson (1758-1805) made him a British hero. Dr. Quintin Colville and Dr. James Davey pick out the moments in Nelson’s life that propelled him to greatness. This article […]
Events
How the Bloodiest Mutiny in British Naval History Helped Create American Political Asylum
The United States has a special history, and thus bears a unique stake, when it comes to the flight of foreign refugees, particularly those seeking sanctuary from oppression and violence.
Artifacts
Royal Navy Uniforms Extant Garments Gallery
Admiral Lord Nelson’s Extant Garments get a separate gallery, too: All images courtesy of the National Maritime Museum unless otherwise noted.
Life and Duties
“Which It Is A Soused Hog’s Face” – The Hidden Culinary Genius of Patrick O’Brian
The pudding was Jack’s favourite, a spotted dog, and a spotted dog fit for a line of battle ship, carried in by two strong men. ‘Bless me’ cried Jack, with a loving look at its glistening, […]