Found at the bow (front) of the ship, the forecastle had various roles. It was from here that the sails and yards (spars) on the main and fore masts were controlled. The crew were allowed to use the forecastle in their off duty periods rather than staying 'below decks'. It was also the deck from which the anchors were lowered and stowed.
Number and Type of Guns:On this Deck: BELFRY ~ GALLEY FLUE ~ CARRONADES ~ MARINES WALK
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Number
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Type
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Weight
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Full Crew
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Half Crew
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2
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Medium 12 pounders
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1.6 tons/1.63 tonnes
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10
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5
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2
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68 pdr carronades
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1.75 tons/1.78 tonnes
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8
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4
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Belfry: Rung every half hour, the bell hung in the belfry enabled the crew to know what the time was. In order to ensure the bell was rung correctly two sandglasses were used. One lasted for half an hour, the other for 4 hours. At the beginning of a watch (4 hour shift) both glasses would be started. When the half hour glass ran out it would be restarted and the bell rung once. When it ran out again the bell would be rung twice and the glass restarted. This would continue until the 4 hour glass ran out. The bell would then be rung 8 times (eight bells) signalling the end of a watch. The whole process would then be started again.
Galley stove flue: In the centre of the forecastle is the galley stove flue. This carried the smoke from the Brodie stove, located 2 deck below, out of the ship. The flue could be closed, using a sliding metal plate, so that water could not get into the stove during rough weather. The flue could also be turned to face away from the wind and any water coming over the side of the ship.
68 pounder carronade: A short range but powerful gun, the carronades were nicknamed the 'Smashers'. Developed in the 1770's they were produced in 12, 18, 24, 32 and 68 pounder versions. Because they were lighter than the standard long guns they could be mounted on the top deck. This enabled them to deliver a devastating blow to the more vulnerable parts of an enemy ship.
Marines walk: The marines walk, properly called the gangboard, provided direct access to the bowsprit from the forecastle. It was easier to climb onto the bowsprit from the upper gun deck, but because this meant passing through either the animal pens or the sick berth it was more convenient the use the gangboard. It was nicknamed the Marines Walk because, when the ship was anchored, an armed Royal Marine would be stationed on the gangboard. This was done to prevent any of the crew using the bow of the ship to desert.
