Accession Number

1986.008.0598b

Alternate object names

Shackle

Creation Date

circa 1620

Description

Loop from shackle set. See also 1986.008.0598a, c.

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

Sailing The Ship

A galleon was a complex vessel, requiring expert handling at all levels. Both sailors and officers might develop a specialty, but they had to be able to perform a variety of jobs, as required. It was hard and sometimes dangerous work—a fall from the rigging either onto the deck or into the sea could prove fatal. Rations were poor and shipboard discipline was harsh. However, ordinary sailors were better paid than peasants or laborers, and they often enjoyed a sense of adventure.

Ideally, sailors of every rank went to sea as children and learned their trades by practical experience and apprenticeship. Many youngsters came from seafaring families, following in their elders’ footsteps. Others were running away from their families and eager to start their own lives.
Object Caption (2023):

Leg Shackles
Iron (c.1620)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.0598a-c

The boatswain’s mate was in charge of keeping discipline. Unruly sailors would find themselves “clapped in irons” and thrown into a hold until the mate released them.  Crimes included insubordination, brawling, getting drunk, blasphemy, and petty theft.