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Number and Size of Guns:
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Number |
Size |
Weight |
Full Crew |
Half Crew |
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30 |
long 12 pounder |
1.70 tons/1.72 tonnes |
10 |
5 |
On this Deck:
GREAT CABIN ~ WORK SPACE ~ LEG IRONS ~ SICK BERTH
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Great cabin:
Found at the stern (back) this provides the most comfortable living space on the ship. Divided into 3 areas, it consists of the day and dining cabins plus the bed space. These were partitioned from the rest of the deck by wooden panels that could be removed during a battle. This would allow the great cabin to be turned into part of the upper gun deck
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 Work space:
The central part of the upper gun deck was uncovered and open to the air. This gave the crew a work area that had plenty of light and was well ventilated. During daylight hours and under the supervision of skilled craftsmen the crew would carry out tasks such as patching sails and repairing ropes.
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Leg irons:
Fixed to the deck in between two of the guns and exposed to the elements are the leg irons or bilboes. They were used to confine a man who had committed an offence. They could be used either as a form of punishment or as a holding area for a man awaiting trial. When used as punishment the offender would be locked into the leg irons for a number of days and fed on bread and water. |
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Sick berth:
 Constructed using canvas screens, the sick berth took up a small area at the bow (front) of the upper gun deck. Well ventilated, it was located as far away from the main living spaces as possible in order to reduce the spread of any diseases. During a battle the canvas screens were removed and the sick men were taken below the waterline to the orlop. This allowed the sick berth to become part of the gun deck. The sick berth also provided access to the ship's heads (toilets). |
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HMS Victory 
