Forecastle (Crew's Quarters). South Street Seaport Museum. Unlike the elegant coziness of the saloon aft, the forecastle or crew's quarters (sometimes referred to as a bunkhouse or Liverpool house) were sparse. Inside there were twenty bunks for seamen, a communal table and benches, and a small stove that offered little relief from frigid temperatures and damp conditions. The sea intruded, spilling over the coamings and dripping from the boots and oilskins of sailors, wetting bunks and clothing. Seamen lived and worked by a 24-hour watch schedule of four hours on duty and four hours off. The needs of the ship came first, however, and in heavy weather those "off watch" would frequently be called to help with work on deck, cutting into already meager rest time.
Unlike the elegant coziness of the saloon aft, the forecastle or crew's quarters (sometimes referred to as a bunkhouse or Liverpool house) were sparse. Inside there were twenty bunks for seamen, a communal table and benches, and a small stove that offered little relief from frigid temperatures and damp conditions. The sea intruded, spilling over the coamings and dripping from the boots and oilskins of sailors, wetting bunks and clothing. Seamen lived and worked by a 24-hour watch schedule of four hours on duty and four hours off. The needs of the ship came first, however, and in heavy weather those "off watch" would frequently be called to help with work on deck, cutting into already meager rest time.
Erected by South Street Seaport Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 40° 42.324′ N, 74° 0.189′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Seaport. It is on Pier 16 south of East River Greenway, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on board the Wavertree exhibit. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 167 John St, New York NY 10038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Galley and Shipboard Food (here, next to
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
