sorneck was a trading vessel; the nascella, like the navicula, was a small craft; the passerette was a passenger ship, also small. Passenger vessels ran between Dover and Whitsand (Wissant); and in 1225 the Bailiffs of Dover were ordered to allow two of the Archbishop of Canterbury's clerks to cross over in the usual manner, in navibus passarettis. Barges were probably much what they are at present.
Several ships of the period are mentioned by name, and "the king's fleet" is often spoken of. The king's great ship was the Queen;[1] another large vessel, apparently captured from the Portuguese for a breach of blockade, was the Cardinal; other vessels were the Galopine, Percevet, Alarde, and Paterik.[2]
When the ships were not required for the purposes of war they were frequently let out to hire to the merchants. For example, in 1232 John Blancboilly had the custody of the king's great ship the Queen for life, with her anchors, cables and other tackle, to trade wherever he pleased, he paying an annual rental of fifty marks. He was bound, at his own expense, to keep the ship in complete repair against all accidents except perils of the sea, so that at his decease she might be restored to the king in as good state as when he received her; and all his lands in England were charged with the fulfilment of the contract.[3]
There are many notices relative to the purchase of stores. In 1226 the Constable of Dorchester was ordered to supply Friar Thomas with three boatloads of firewood, two for the king's great ship, and one for the king's two galleys; and twenty-two and a half marks were given to him to buy canvas for the sails, and to make "celtas" for the king's great ship, carts being directed carry the "celtas" and "heyras" to her at Portsmouth.[4] In 1225 the Bailiffs of Southampton were commanded to buy cordage under the inspection of Stephen Crabbe, an eminent mariner, for the king's great ship at Portsmouth; but if a sufficient quantity were not ready they were to cause it to be made in all haste, as well by day as by night, and to send it to Portsmouth.
- ↑ Patent Rolls, 16 Henry III., m. 8.
- ↑ Among the names of vessels that went to the king at Bordeaux in 1242, are La Hog, Belechere, Plenty, Harriet, Garland, Charity, Pinnock, St. Mary, La Planete, La Esperier, La Blyth, and Demoiselle of Dunwich. Probably these were not king's ships. Garland, or Guardland (it exists in both forms), later became a favourite name in the Royal Navy.
- ↑ Patent Rolls, 16 Hen. III., m. 8.
- ↑ Close Rolls, 16 Hen. III., m. 16, 17, 25.
