The Master Shipwright's Secrets: How Charles II built the Restoration Navy

(Hardback)

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AWARDED THE ANDERSON MEDAL 2020 Inspired by the recent discovery of mathematically calculated digital plans for a fourth-rate ship by the Deptford master shipwright, John Shish, The Master Shipwrights Secrets is an illustrated history of Restoration shipbuilding focused on the Tyger, one of the smaller but powerful two-deck warships of the period. It examines the proceedings of King Charles II in deciding the types of ship he wanted and his relationship with his master shipwrights. This fascinating book reveals the many secrets of Charles IIs shipwrights through an analysis of John Shishs plans for the Tyger, revealing innovative practical calculations which differ significantly from the few contemporary treatises on the subject and the complicated process of constructing the moulds necessary to make the ships frame. All the other duties performed by the master shipwrights, such as repairing ships, controlling their men and keeping up with the latest inventions are also discussed in detail. The Master Shipwrights Secrets is replete with beautiful and detailed illustrations of the construction of the Tyger and explores both its complicated history and its complex rebuilding, complete with deck plans, internal sections, and large-scale external shaded drawings. The title also explores associated ships, including another fourth-rate ship, the Mordaunt, which was purchased into the Navy at the time and underwent a dimensional survey by John Shish. A rare contemporary section drawing of another fourth-rate English ship and constructional drawings of Shishs later fourth-rate ship, St Albans, are also included.

Reviews

A remarkable piece of work. -- J D Davies, Historian and Author
This splendid book will appeal to maritime historians, archaeologists, model-makers and nautical enthusiasts across the board. -- Colin Martin * The Nautical Archaeology Society *

Author Bio

Richard Endsor is an engineer by profession, but has devoted considerable time to researching 17th-century ships his project on the Lenox took twelve years to complete. Richard was a trustee of the Nautical Museum Trust and is a member of the Society for Nautical Research. He has had numerous articles published in Mariner's Mirror and is also an accomplished artist, having exhibited at the RSMA exhibition. He also lectures widely on maritime topics.