Captain Twill
Academic Fight Circle, Research, Share, Discuss & Debate Maritime History.
1,545 topics in this forum
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- 40 replies
- 4k views
I was posting photos of period drawings of pirates in the thread on buckle shoes, one of which was this one: According to Wikipedia Commons, it was first published in 1736 in the General History. (I'm assuming that they're right, of course.) It makes BB look a bit like a silly ass, but I have some questions about it since it's pretty close to period. 1. Why is he wearing long pants? I didn't think that was the style at all. The guys in the background aren't... 2. What is he holding in his right hand? It looks a little like rifle, but then it doesn't. (If you want to really see it, click on the picture and it will be blown up to absurd dimensions.)
Last reply by landlubbersanonymous, -
- 40 replies
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Ahoy mates! I am doing a bit of research on 17th and 18th century Spanish naval cannons, and I am looking for any clear pictures or other depictions of the various coats of arms that were engraved or cast onto the barrels. Black and white line art would be fantastic, if anyone knows where I might find it. Thanks so much for any help you can provide!
Last reply by Capn Bloody Sam Rackham, -
Pen pals... 1 2
by LadyBrower- 40 replies
- 5.4k views
I debated on where this should go... Is it art? history? hmmm. I put it here, Please move it if I am wrong... What I would like to do (and I'm not sure if anyone has tried before) but after being inspired by a lady suggesting I write fake letters to people to develope my persona, I thought it might be a good idea for "us" (reenactors/ history lovers/ whatever) to be involved in some sort of period pen pal circle. This way, people reenacting similar periods could research day to day activities, "current" events, establish friendships and build their persona. What I envision is for each letter to contain really, what letters from people during that time may have said. M…
Last reply by LadyBrower, -
- 40 replies
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I am needin differnt techniques for torture or punishment used on board ship during GAoP. Things like keel hauling , but prerferably a bit more obscure then that. Not to worry mates, its for the lyrics to a song I am writing, no practical application anticipated
Last reply by Capt Thighbiter, -
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Has anyone else noticed that, in more than one period image, sailors are seen wearing their cocked hats backwards? At first i though it was just the way the are was drawn, but not that i look closer, it seems like they really are on the other way. Iv noticed especially in images slightly after our era(1730's-1800), but its shown in earlier pictures as well. In this picture(you all know what its of) 2 or3 sailors on the left seem to have their hats backwards..... and this(1750's) definitely apparent in this one(1760)....... After seeing these i still didnt quite believe it, bbuutt during a visit to colonial williamsburg, i looked at what they had on sailors. In an …
Last reply by Ivan Henry aka Moose, -
- 39 replies
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Afternoon all! As some of you may have noticed, I've become something of a doctor on the RabbleRousing in Port Royal. Thanks to the assistance of the generous Capt. Sterling, information for treating malaria was quickly afforded to me, thereby allowing me to save said captain's life. Now, to all in the know, I ask politely for any information on remedies, surgeries, accutrements or practices used by doctors, surgeons, shamons and or medicine men during the time of which we enjoy. I would also be interested to see if there are any within this region that have taken the persona of a ship's cutter. I'll be grateful for yer assistance, and will surely talk ill of ye that…
Last reply by Mission, -
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Greetings, This is a partial continuation of another topic that needs to be split--homosexuality and pedophilia being, in my opinion, separate phenomena. As to homosexuality among pirates: I've done a lot of reading in primary sources for the 18th century, and am of the opinion that homosexuality was somewhat less closeted among pirates than among the RN--or the population at large for that matter. This is not to say that I accept the thrust (pardon the pun) of either Turley or Burg's arguments. Both fall victim to the assumption that human needs are constant and must find an outlet. They presume that, given the absence of women, pirate shps must therefore have resemb…
Last reply by CaptainSatan, -
- 39 replies
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This question came to my mind today as I am currently trying to create a character for myself. I don't mind straying from the "historical path" a little bit, but I'd like to keep it as realistic as possible. So with this in mind, do you suppose European pyrates might have come across and used middle eastern weapons such as the scimitar or some kind of short sword? I'm creating an Irish character, as I am decent at an Irish accent and find it to be very fun (the ladies love it, especially my own lady)...I also have a rather small budget right now and am trying to build up my kit slowly, piece by piece, for an October Ren-Faire.
Last reply by peglegstrick, -
Arrrrgh! 1 2
by Gutterpunk13- 39 replies
- 2.4k views
Ive never heard a pirate say arr! ive never said arr nor have any of my comrades said it.. ive never even read "arrrgh" anywhere in novels.. so the point of this inquiry is that why do people think arr when they think of pirates? I know I dont, but i dont go around callen meself a pirate, other people call me that when i steal them blind.. and sail off into the setting sun yelling "To Hell With "arrgh"" and other random curses.. but then id of said it wouldnt i? John
Last reply by Christine, -
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The ruffian who clambers over the gunwale with the blade of his weapon clamped between his teeth is one of the iconic images of piracy. Obviously, there is some advantage to having both your hands free while you climb aboard another ship, but sashes and scabbards would seem to be a more practical solution than your mouth as a place to store your weapon while you climb. Is there any historical evidence of pirates (or indeed anyone in the Age of Sail) boarding an enemy ship with cutlery in their teeth? I did search the Pub, but darned if I can find any previous threads on this question.
Last reply by Bright, -
- 38 replies
- 3.1k views
So I had the oppurtunity to visit the V&A museum yesterday and had a blast. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of stuff on display from our time period but I was able to find a few things here and there. One of the objects I found was this 1710 waistcoat. Here is what V&A had to say about it. "WAISTCOAT 1710 - 1720 A gentleman wore such a waistcoat informally during the day, with a plain coat and breeches. The coat would have been left ope to display the fashionably patterned silk with the waistcoat buttoned at the waist to show of is and ruffles. SIlk Damask, lined with fustain and silk Made in England So here it is. Sorry its hard to …
Last reply by LadyBarbossa, -
- 37 replies
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Okay, I admit. In preparing for our company "Pirate Day" party in a couple weeks, I've become obsessed. Tracking down pretties, digging out my childhood copy of "Treasure Island," and reading your site archives like crazy. Neat place! So um... a question for ye all. I see these pictures of lovely maps spread out on a table, with all sorts of brass instruments and suchlike. Some look like stuff from high school geometry escaped into the wild, others.. yeesh. I can't begin to recognize. Is there a good book you'd recommend I look at that covers the life, duties, and practices of a GAoP navigator? Particularly a nice picture book with lots of "this is a such and such. It…
Last reply by Kaylee, -
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Last reply by LadyBarbossa, -
- 37 replies
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Agghhh.... I know that this is probably not the best place for this post. But I wanted to ask my historical brethren and seemed as good as any. I feel I have been burning out lately. Not that I am tiring of the topic. I just need to take a sabbatical or something. I know Black John knows what I am talking about.... Maybe its my "virtual" nature as a pirate. Stranded in the middle of Germany with practically no events to go to... and trying to be a father and husband all at the same time..... Sheeeeshhh... GoF
Last reply by capnwilliam, -
- 37 replies
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Ok so if your more than 15 years old you've heard the story of the oak island money pit. So for the billion dollar question whats at the bottom? Cast a vote and post you're thought's. Now as for me I really don't know what to think but from what is known about the pit and its construction I doubt it had to do with Capt. Kidd but then hey we don't know now do we. If I had to quess from me own options I'd say it was the British army what done it or other. Nothing else seems likely.
Last reply by Stephen, -
- 37 replies
- 4.6k views
More shoe queries.... Are these more accurate for GAOP than the Fugawee Concords? http://www.re-enactmentshop.com/18e-Shoes.JPG Anyone delt with these guys before? Thanks again for all of your help!
Last reply by theM.A.dDogge, -
- 37 replies
- 4.3k views
SEX IN THE AGE OF SAIL *Gasp!!* Be it true?!! Historians, tell me yer opinions on this arrrrticle, which makes claims about the unofficial "positions" of cabin boys and more...
Last reply by D B Couper, -
- 36 replies
- 9.3k views
I wondered when did the tradition of scrubbing ship's deck with sandstone started. The sandstone used for that was later called "holystone" but the date when that tradition begun is not easy to find. I think the meaning for that scrubbing, besides the cleaning, was to prevent the planks of being shrunk by watering the deck. But I am not completely sure so feel free to correct me if you want.
Last reply by Captain Jim, -
Shoulder Knots 1 2
by kass- 36 replies
- 4.2k views
Hey all! I've been looking at pictures of late 17th century dress and it occurs to me that shoulder knots (like this one worn by the Duke of Burgundy in 1700) may have had a purpose other than just decoration. They are always worn on the right shoulder. It occured to me that that's the shoulder over which a man wear his baldrick. Could these elaborate shoulder knots actually function as a "holder" so the baldrick doesn't slip off your shoulder? None of my costume books give a purpose to shoulder knots. They say they are purely decorative. Anyone ever heard anything different?
Last reply by Swashbuckler 1700, -
- 36 replies
- 6.2k views
While I haven't actually started writing my own book on barber-surgery yet (I have a month and change), I have lately come across a fascinating book at the recommendation of someone on another forum. It's called The Age of Agony by Guy Williams, originally published in Great Britain in 1975 and then republished in the US in 1986. The man has a way with words and I thought I would share this description with all those curious about medicine during the age of no anesthesia. If it takes your fancy, I will publish some other ones I have found in this and other books of various procedures. (We need a little devil emoticon.) “Lithotomy –the operation by which an offending ston…
Last reply by Raphael Misson, -
- 35 replies
- 6.1k views
Ok, I am wondering about a normal 24 hr day for a sailor. I know that they were kept busy with the rigging of the ship. Also there was always cleaning to do. So given no storms and no battles what would be a normal day. All hands would be pipped on deck and the daily scrubbing would start. All hands would be pipped to breakfast. How long did they get to eat? All hands would be pipped back to work. Working cordage, polishing brass, rigging the ship, ect. All hands would be pipped to the next meal. When would that be? Back to work. Then one set of men would be pipped to rest for some hours or sleep form 8 till Midnight? The dog watches from the midnight till 4. Sleep from …
Last reply by Mission, -
- 35 replies
- 2.8k views
My husband, Reginald "red rum" McCrumb, and I have had a long standing discussion as to exactly how a keelhauling is performed? (We want to do a pirate film, and want to accurately depict one.. ew) I understand basically the victim is tied and dragged along the keel of the ship (great method of debarnacling your hull?) but is it done across the back, the stomach? headfirst, or along your side? Or is it the madman committing the act's decision? Curious...
Last reply by Mad Maudlin McCrumb, -
- 35 replies
- 4.7k views
somone who knows their pirate punishments well is going to to rain superior this ol' night ye' salty sea dogs. i personally like marooning which for those filthy deckswabbers is when the cap'n and his mates put ye on an island no food no nothing exept a gun with 1 bullet, the most common pirate punishment is also flogging, again for those cow wogglin' sons of bilge rats' ( ye know who im talking about) is when the pirate's tie ye up to the stern of the boat and make u bob up and down with the boat and scrape yer' bare flesh on the barnacles often causing serious damage. also my second favorite punishment often used when ye kill somone is ye' old pirates, yer mates? thi…
Last reply by lady renee, -
- 35 replies
- 4.2k views
Here is the inventory of a navigator who died aboard a Slave ship in 1700. Its from the Book "The Forgotten Trade" by Nigel Tattersfield Inventory of Mr John Chapman's goods, deceased. At Sea 9 October 1700 13 Single Brawles 56 coarse callakew sheets 2 Nickanees 1 piece Pentadoes Pte a piece Blue Lyning 11 Sheets 6 small Elephant Teeth marked J:C:A 2 small ditto m'ked J:C:P 8 small ditto m'ked J:C 3 small ditto J:C 1 man Slave m'rked J:C 1 girl ditto m'rked J:C 6 Bars lead Some Brass wrye Clothes (viz): 4 Old Coats, 3 old Jackcoats 1 Waistcoat, 1 pair britches 2 Flanning Sherts, 1 pair flanning Drawers 1 old Broad Cloth coat & Jackcoat 2 old Ha…
Last reply by Frtiz, -
- 35 replies
- 3.9k views
What ho Colonials, As some of you are doubtless aware I will shortly be travelling to your shores to present to attendees at the Pirate Parley on the Pamlico (DETAILS HERE) on the subject of 'Pirate Myths and Realities'. Naturally, I have many ideas of things I'd like to talk about. Too many, in fact, so I'd value some input from folks here on the kinds of topics you'd like to be addressed. It's not a reenactment event, so I'd like to steer clear of many of the topics common here in Twill (the debates about bucket boots or earrings for example are, ultimately, of limited specialist interest, for example). So, any thoughts?
Last reply by Capt Thighbiter,
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