Existing comment:
Round Sterns:
A fundamental problem associated with wooden ships was the weak construction, and defense, of the ends of the ship, particularly the stern. Traditionally, the stern was built by placing a large timber across the stern post, when setting vertical timbers atop the cross piece, much like a large table fork in appearance. This was inherently weak and guns could not be placed to defend the quarters adequately. Firing into the ends of the enemy ship took advantage of these weaknesses. Royal Navy Surveyor Sir Robert Seppings designed a new form of stern that not only strengthened the construction, but allowed guns to be mounted that could defend the entire aft part of the ship. |