Aboard a 16th Century Ship

The Golden Hind II

The first time I walked aboard a reproduction of an early sailing ship occurred at a special exhibit at Jamestown, and I was surprised by how small it was. Francis Drake's ship, Golden Hind, was only a little bigger, and he hauled plunder. I wondered how a crew managed to live aboard such limited quarters and carry the supplies they needed. 

Elizabeth II

The Elizabeth II interprets what it was like for those ending up on the North Carolina coast at Roanoke in 1585. Not only did the ships have to carry crew and supplies, but they also held passengers to the New World and what they needed to bring. You can get a good idea of what this was like at the Roanoke Festival Park.

Galley

When bunks were available, they resembled shelves, and I couldn't imagine trying to fit on one, much less sleeping there. The kitchen or galley looked more like a small barbecue pit. The crank to pull up the anchor took up as much room as anything. If you've never toured such a reproduction, I encourage you to do so. I think it'll be an eye-opener.

Anchor crank

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