Herbie Murray
Sleeping on old ships was uncomfortable due to overcrowding and a lack of privacy. The crew had no rooms and slept in hammocks slung between beams or on the deck. The captain and officers had partitioned cabins, usually near the stern of the ship. Sleeping locations were assigned according to rank, with the poorest travellers and crew staying in the bottom deck, where the ceiling was very low.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping arrangements: hammocks, bunks, or decks
Sleeping in hammocks was the most common way for sailors to catch some sleep on old ships. Hammocks were slung between beams or in common areas, with each sailor having their own hammock. The hammocks were not flat and wrapped around the sailor like a cocoon, preventing them from falling out during rough waters. Sailors were divided into two "watches" or teams, and they would sleep during their off-watch hours. Sleeping locations were assigned according to rank, with the upper and poop decks controlled by the commanders offering more privacy and comfort.
While hammocks were the most common, they were not the only sleeping arrangement. On warships, beds or hammocks were put up on the open gun deck for common seamen, while officers had partitioned cabins near the stern, which was drier. On merchant vessels, crews were generally smaller, and the captain and other officers had cabins, while common sailors slept in hammocks.
In some cases, sailors had to resort to unusual sleeping arrangements due to lack of space. For example, they might spread their mattress on a chest or sleep on the deck, usually the top deck if the weather was good. Life on old ships was often crowded and unsanitary, with little privacy, especially for the poorest travellers and crew. The Syracusia, an ancient Greek shipping vessel, is an exception, offering 142 cabins for first-class passengers and 200 cabins for the crew.
By the 19th century, primitive berths for passengers on ships became available, but they were extremely cramped and cold. These berths consisted of an iron framework with a mattress, pillow, or life preserver, and a blanket. The mattress and pillow were often filled with straw or seaweed.
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Cramped conditions
Sleeping conditions on old ships were often cramped, crowded, and uncomfortable. The living quarters were extremely confined, especially for the poorest travellers, sailors, and crew. Sailors and lower-ranking crew members were typically assigned to sleep in the bottom deck, just above the hold, where the ceiling was very low, resulting in a congested and claustrophobic environment.
The lack of space meant that sailors had to get creative with their sleeping arrangements. They often slept in hammocks slung between beams or in any open space available, such as the deck or common areas. Hammocks were a practical solution as they could be easily set up and stored during the day, but they were not always comfortable or spacious. Additionally, the hammocks used by sailors were not flat like modern hammocks, but rather wrapped around the body like a cocoon, providing stability in rough waters.
Officers and higher-ranking crew members had slightly better accommodations, with cabins and partitioned sections usually located near the stern of the ship, where it was drier and less exposed to the elements. However, even these quarters were relatively cramped compared to modern standards.
On some ships, such as the ancient Greek vessel Syracusia, there were a significant number of cabins. This ship had 142 cabins for first-class passengers and 200 cabins for the crew. However, Syracusia was likely a "floating palace" and not a typical sea-going ship, as it only sailed once.
In the 19th century, passenger berths became available, but they were extremely cramped and cold, with passengers often having to sleep in their clothes. These berths were arranged in two tiers, with a narrow interval of 2 feet and 6 inches of space above each. The steerage passenger was allotted a small space, measuring 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, with 2 and a half feet of headroom.
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Lack of privacy
Sleeping on old ships involved a complete lack of privacy. Sailors often slept in hammocks, which were slung between beams or in common areas. These hammocks were not flat and wrapped around the sailor like a cocoon, preventing them from falling out during rough waters. The hammocks were assigned by a master-at-arms or another person of rank, with locations determined by the sailor's rank.
On warships, hammocks or beds were typically placed on the open gun deck for common seamen, while officers had partitioned cabins or sections near the stern, which was drier. In contrast, on merchant vessels, crews were generally smaller, and hammocks were slung in one or two common areas.
Life aboard ships was highly regulated, with bells ringing every half hour to indicate the passage of time and the changing of watches. Sailors were divided into two watches, each working four-hour shifts while the other half slept. The constant shouting of orders and pounding of feet throughout the night further disrupted any sense of privacy.
Additionally, the sleeping quarters were cramped and overcrowded, with sailors' belongings adding to the congestion. The only spaces with any semblance of solitude were the upper and poop decks, typically reserved for commanders. The master and a few other officers may have had the privilege of a cabin, but everyone else slept wherever they could find space, often in hammocks or on mats.
Even when hammocks were available, some sailors had to resort to sleeping on chests as a last resort when there was insufficient room for hammocks. Thus, privacy was virtually non-existent for most individuals aboard old ships.
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Hierarchy and assigned sleeping locations
Sleeping arrangements on old ships were cramped, hierarchical, and usually located on the cannon decks. The captain and officers had partitioned cabins, usually near the stern of the ship, while common sailors slept in hammocks slung between beams in common areas. The master-at-arms or another person of rank assigned sailors a number indicating their designated sleeping location, which was based on rank. Each sailor had their own hammock, which they stowed during the day. Hammocks were not flat like modern hammocks, but wrapped around the sailor like a cocoon, preventing them from falling out during rough waters.
On warships, hammocks or beds were often put up on the open gun deck for the common seamen. In contrast, officers had partitioned cabins or sections, usually in drier areas of the ship. On merchant vessels, crews were generally smaller than on warships, as fewer men were needed to man the guns or participate in boarding actions.
Life aboard ship was highly regulated, with bells ringing every half-hour to mark the change of watch or shift. Sailors were divided into two watches, each working four-hour shifts while the other half slept. This ensured that only half the crew was sleeping at any given time.
In addition to the captain and officers, there was a complex social hierarchy among the sailors, extending from the master to the common sailor. The Syracusia, an ancient Greek shipping vessel dating back to the 3rd century BCE, is a notable example of this hierarchy. It had 142 cabins for first-class passengers, 200 cabins for crew, and accommodations for around 200 to 400 soldiers on the lower deck.
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Food, water, and medical care
Food
The food available on old ships varied depending on the era, location, and status of the individuals on board. In the 16th century, sailors' diets typically included rations of ship's biscuits, beef, pork, fish or oatmeal, peas, butter, cheese, and beer. These rations were established by Samuel Pepys in 1677 and included specific quantities such as one pound of biscuits and a gallon of beer per day, four pounds of beef, and two pounds of salted pork per week. Substitutions were allowed, especially when certain foods were not available or spoiled easily, such as salted fish.
Water
European sailing ships of the 1600s and 1700s typically carried large barrels of drinkable fluids in their hulls, as there was no practical way to obtain fresh water at sea. These barrels were maintained by a cooper, a specialist onboard. The water that was carried often went bad during long voyages, leading to dehydration as a serious concern. As a result, weak beer was often consumed instead of water, as it was believed to be safer due to its antimicrobial properties.
Medical Care
Information specifically regarding medical care on old ships is scarce. However, it can be assumed that medical care varied based on the resources and personnel available on board. On larger ships or those with more prestigious passengers, there might have been dedicated medical staff or supplies. In contrast, smaller vessels or those with limited resources might have had minimal medical provisions.
Overall, the availability and quality of food, water, and medical care on old ships played a crucial role in the health and comfort of those aboard. While some voyages may have offered more extravagant accommodations, it appears that cramped conditions and basic provisions were more common, especially for sailors and lower-status individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping conditions on old ships were often cramped and crowded. Sailors slept in hammocks, which they slung in common areas. These hammocks were not flat and wrapped around the sailor like a cocoon, preventing them from falling out in rough waters.
No, hammocks were typically only used by common sailors. Officers and captains had partitioned cabins or sections, usually near the stern of the ship, where it was drier.
Yes, while most old ships had cramped conditions, there were exceptions. For example, the Syracusia, an ancient Greek shipping vessel from the 3rd century BCE, had 142 cabins for first-class passengers and 200 cabins for crew members.
Life on a ship was highly regulated, with bells ringing every half hour. Sailors were divided into two watches or teams, and each team would sail the ship for four hours while the other team slept. However, sailors likely caught some sleep during their off-watch periods as well.
