Life at Sea in 1805 - Sounds on board ship

Sounds

Shanties

Long Drag Shanty
Long drag (or halyard) shanties were for heavy work that needed more time between pulls and were used during long heavy jobs. For example, to get a heavy sail up to the mast, a shanty that gave the men a rest in between the hauls was what was required. The same shanty could also be used to lower the sails. This type of shanty usually has a chorus at the end of each line. Capstan

Capstan Shanty
Capstan (or windlass) shanties were used for long repetitive tasks, that simply needed a strong repetitive rhythm. They were often used during raising or lowering the anchor by winding up the heavy anchor chain. The winding was done by pushing round and round at the capstan bars, which required a long and continuous effort.

Forecastle Shanties
In the evening, when the work was done, it was time to relax and singing was a favourite pastime. The songs sung could come from places visited, either at home or in some foreign land. Songs of love, adventure, sadness, famous men and battles topped the list. The songs were often accompanied by a fiddle or pipe player.

Here are the tunes to three sea songs that are still heard today.

What shall we do with the drunken sailor? Listen for the sound of the sea at the start.
Blow the man down
Spanish Ladies

Ship's Bell
The ship's bell was rung to tell the time and let the crew know when to change watch duties. Click on the bell to hear the sound.

Cannons
The sound of cannon fire was very frightening. The guns crews would be surrounded by noise and smoke during a battle and the level of noise on a ship's gundeck must have been deafening!
Click the cannon to hear the distant sound of battle.

And of course, during the quieter times there would be the sound of seabirds.

Hearts of Oak
Written in 1759 by David Garrick and Dr. William Boyce, Master of the King’s Orchestra to commemorate the Royal Navy’s triple victories of that year at Quebec, Lagos and Quiberon Bay this tune still remains popular today. Hear the tune by clicking on the clef symbol.