Ships of the Roanoke Voyages

	Ships of the Roanoke Voyages

No plans for vessels used in the Roanoke voyages are known to exist, but reasonably accurate inferences about those vessels can be drawn from contemporary paintings, construction and performance records, woodcuts, and maritime treatises.   The wooden sailing ships of the period, while much trimmer and sleeker than their tub-like fourteenth-and fifteenth-century ancestors, had considerable strength, durability and maneuverability. Rather than battering and slamming their way through the forces of a North Atlantic gale, the typical sixteenth century English ship was able to slip and bob through the waves with comparative ease. Disasters at sea were rarely caused by the structural failure of a ship. Typically, the hull or shell of the vessel was either clinker-built, that is, with plank edges overlapped and fastened with nails; or carvel-built, with planks laid flush, edge to edge, over a skeleton frame. Both methods of hull construction had advantages and drawbacks. The clinker-built ship, while extremely strong and durable, was difficult and expensive to repair, the services of a master shipwright being required. Moreover, gunports, which were cut through the overlapping, weakened the hull significantly. In spite of these drawbacks, the average life of a typical ship was an impressive sixty-five years. Even though this method of construction was being phased out by the mid 1540s, it is likely that some of the vessels that took part in the Roanoke ventures were clinker-built. The carvel-built of skeleton-frame ship was also strong, durable, and difficult to repair. The skill of a master shipwright was not always required, however; a competent carpenter could handle many repairs and alterations. Whether a merchantman or a ship of war, a sixteenth-century vessel contained a vast array of small pieces of wood, nails, iron bolts, washers, wooden pegs, and knees or braces. All seams were made water tight with a caulking of tarred hemp fibers. The result of the shipwright's art was a springy, flexible vessel able to work under the various and variable stresses exerted by the wind; the weight of cargo, the crew, and the ship itself; and the violent impacts of the sea. The vast majority of sixteenth-century oceangoing vessels were three-masted and square-rigged. On a square-rigged ship, the large main square sails were laced to a yard or bar, which was attached horizontally to a mast. In addition to the square sails carried on the main and foremasts, square-rigged ships of the period also had, on the aftermast, a small lateen, or triangular sail which acted as a stabilizer. The square-rigged ship of the Elizabethan era was able to sail well to windward, that is, approximately in the same direction from which the wind was blowing. The versatility of this particular style of rigging enabled mariners to adjust sails to meet constantly changing wind conditions. Because of the strength and durability of its hull, its maneuverability, and its adaptability, the three-masted, square-rigged ship was the mainstay of the European voyages of discovery and exploration. In sixteenth-century England, the size of a vessel was estimated in terms of tunnage --the ships capacity to carry 252 gallon tuns of hogshead barrels of wine. A 50-tun ship could carry fifty hogsheads. The tun was a measure of volume, not weight, and it was hardly uniform. The capacity of a Spanish tun, for example, was considerably less than that of an English tun. Thus a Spanish vessel of 50 tuns was not the same size as a 50-tun English ship. During the Elizabeth Era, tonnage, a more accurate and sophisticated measurement system based on a ship's dead weight and its displacement of water was in the early stage of development. As a system for standardizing the measurement of ship size, it was not uniformly applied to English shipping for many years thereafter. Though sometimes used interchangeably by post-Elizabethan writers, tunnage and tonnage are not synonyms. The majority of ships used in the Roanoke ventures were privately owned, well-armed merchant ships ranging in size from 20 to 400 tuns. Other than names and tunnage, very few details about the vessels survive. The lack of information is complicated by the inexact system for estimating ship size--one ship could be listed with different tunnages. Identification of the vessels is made more difficult--and in some cases rendered impossible--by the Elizabethan practice of renaming ships often. Sir Francis Drake's Pelican (Golden Hind) is famous enough to be traceable, but most of the vessels associated with the Roanoke voyages are not. Contemporary descriptions of these vessels vary. A vessel called one thing in one document might be called something else in another. Further, more-or-less standard modern usage and definitions have little in common with sixteenth-century terminology.

Cont. here:


http://www.nps.gov/fora/forteachers/ships-of-the-roanoke-voyages.htm


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"A Tuscarora War Trio: Core Tom, Captain Brice, and the Baron"

Dr. David La Vere, noted Author and Professor of History at UNC-Wilmington will present  "A Tuscarora War Trio:  Core Tom, Captain Brice, and the Baron" about the war that began in September 1711 in Eastern North Carolina.  In addition, a moment of silence and reflection will be observed in memory of those known and unknown whose lives were affected during the war.  For more information about Dr. La Vere's books and projects, please visit www.DavidLaVere.com.

Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 1 pm
Cullman Performance Hall • North Carolina History Center • 529 South Front St., New Bern, NC

Dr. La Vere’s Presentation is Free and Open to the Public.  Everyone is Welcome!

Delicious refreshments will be served after the presentation by Grandma’s Goodies of New Bern, 252.617.5828.

Come early and visit the beautiful Tryon Palace and the new North Carolina History Center which has an excellent permanent exhibit about the history of Eastern North Carolina.  To learn more, please visit their website at www.TryonPalace.org.

Please see the updated website at www.ENCFamilies.org for e a listing of other historical and cultural events that are scheduled in our area in the near future.

The Family History Society of Eastern North Carolina

252.349.0405 (Telephone)

www.encfamilies.org

Images from the Wikimedia Commons.

  

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Blackbeard's Revenge

OCRACOKE ISLAND, N.C. -- When boarding a ship, he burned cannon wicks in his hair, scaring victims into thinking he'd come from Hell. He shot his own sailmaster in the knee to discourage mutiny and commanded a pirate navy bold enough to blockade a whole city.

Yet Edward Teach, alias Blackbeard, has never been more popular on the Crystal Coast and Outer Banks of North Carolina. His personal flag, a demon with hourglass and a spear piercing a crimson heart, flutters from many homes and shops. Blackbeard is big business here, from his one-time home at Bath, to Beaufort Inlet where his Queen Anne's Revenge is now being salvaged, to Ocracoke, where he met a violent end. There is everything from a beer to a rock band named for the world's most famous pirate, whose glory days covered 1717-18.

 Cont. here:

http://www.canoe.ca/Travel/USA/SouthernUSA/2011/08/18/18570301.html

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Riding Out Huricane Irene on Hatteras Island

Huricane Irene: A Storm to Remember by Dawn Taylor

Mirlo Beach, NC 

As I sit here trying to come up with the opening words to write this blog, I can not help but think of all that has happened on Hatteras Island, since Hurricane Irene hit. By now, most of you have heard through the news media about the destruction here. Many homes and businesses were destroyed. Lives are now changed in so many different ways. But just as our ancestors have done over the years, we will persevere. We have pulled together and once again shown our strengths as a community. I am so proud and so thankful for all who have rolled up their sleeves, put on their waders and boots, in order to selflessly lend a hand. We are so blessed...

Tide coming in...Avon, NC

Dad and I have weathered quite a few storms together in our home. We live in my late Grandparent's old place in Avon. We feel secure here. This house is built like they used to build them...strong...sturdy...made to endure harsh winds and storms. Dad did however, have the house raised after dealing with it being only three feet off the ground. Only so many times of carpets ruined, walls warped, and furniture and appliances trashed, can one take. So up it went...12 feet into the air. 

About a week before Irene hit, all eyes pretty much stayed glued to the weather. A lot of the islanders, especially the old timers, are pretty good at predicting where storms are going and what should be done in order to prepare. With that said, Dad and I made several trips to the grocery store for canned goods and other items that might be needed during and afterwards. We gassed up the trucks. Made sure the generator worked. Moved the camper and both trucks to higher ground. Secured all outdoor items...and then waited.

Waiting for the storm to hit has always seemed the hardest part to me. Not knowing what the storm is going to do to your home, your family, your friends...it's nerve racking. So Dad and I, along with quite a few others, were feeling quite happy when Irene had dropped to a category 1. But boy, big things do come in small packages. The winds shifted around from the south east to the north west and a mean punch came a long with it. From Avon Village all the way to Manteo, there came a surge of ocean and sound tides. Irene was on a destructive path. A friend of mine who lives in New York called several days after...even the town he grew up in about an hour north of him was destroyed by her. Irene had left a mark.

Gerald Williams home place ~ Village of Avon

The above photo shows the home place of the late Gerald Williams. His house is located directly across the road from us. As you can see, the tide paid a visit to many of the homes and businesses of our village. Dad and I were lucky. Many others weren't. Piles of household items now lay along side the road with signs that read "Do not take away". Residence are waiting for insurance adjusters to arrive in order to receive aide in restoring what has been destroyed. Dad and I can deal with the stench of mud in the yard. We can deal with no air conditioner. No tv. No phone. Even the loss of the oil tank which heats our water and house, But to imagine dealing with the loss of treasured family photos, family heirlooms, and those things that help one get through everyday life, is hard to comprehend. 

And what is more hard to comprehend is the loss of loved ones through such disasters. Saturday night, our family almost lost two very dear members. Celia and Roger Meekins were owners of the house known as, Sentinel on Pamlico. It was their dream home. Located at Mirlo Beach, it was a landmark with it's tower that resembled a majestic lighthouse. But most of all, it was a place where they went to relax and enjoy the beauty of the island. Below is a link you may follow to read in detail about the fire that occurred there Saturday night and also the flood waters that Celia and Roger found themselves swimming through in order to reach the safe harbor of their nearby neighbors. It is through stories like theirs, that one realizes that there are still those in this world who would give their dearest possession, which is their life, in order to save others.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/08/31/1449205/horror-in-rodanthe.html

 

The rest of this article is cont. here:

http://hatgensoc.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/hurricane-irene-a-storm-to-remember-2/


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Tyrrell County Genealogical and Historical Society Meeting CANCELLED

Due to the current predictions for Hurricane Irene, the August 28, 2011 meeting of the Tyrrell County Genealogical Society has been canceled.

Our featured speaker was Jennifer Sheppard, and we're hoping to reschedule her presentation for early next year. When we have a new date for her presentation, we'll announce it here again, in case any Lost Colony Research Group members wish to attend.

Thanks,
Cathy Roberts
Vice President
Tyrrell County Genealogical and Historical Society

__._,_.___

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Tyrrell County Genealogical and Historical Society MEETING CANCELLED

This meeting has been cancelled due the approach of Hurricane Irene. This post will remain in place for your information. See:

http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/2011/08/tyrrell-county-genealogical-and_23.html
Tyrrell County Genealogical and

Historical Society

August 2011 Meeting

The Tyrrell County Genealogical and Historical Society will hold its August meeting on 28 Aug 2011 at the Senior Citizens Center located in the Columbia Medical Center. The address is 406 Bridge Street, Columbia, NC 27925. (Directions are included at the end of this article.)

Jennifer Sheppard, a Professional Genealogist with the Lost Colony Research Group, Genealogy~DNA~Archealogy will be the guest speaker.  Ms Sheppard will talk about the Lost Colony Research Group’s ongoing search for descendants of the so called “Lost Colony”. She will share information about the group’s research, DNA testing and the archaeology digs taking place on Hatteras Island. A DVD of the April 2010 dig in Buxton  will also be shown. In addition she will have conch shells (found in one of the middens) on display at the meeting.   

The DVD includes interviews with Roberta Estes, Administrator for the Lost Colony Research Group showing the types of artifacts found during that particular dig. Also included is a spot with Anne Poole, Principal Researcher for the Group, explaining native middens, their content; and information on how the Indians would have used these items in their daily lives.  

The public is cordially invited to attend this meeting and all “drop-ins” are welcome. 

Directions to the Tyrrell County Genealogical and Historical Society’s meeting -

Take Route 64 to Columbia.  At the stoplight, turn left onto Broad Street (if coming from the Outer Banks, you would turn right). Continue on past Main Street, to Bridge Street and turn right onto Bridge Street. (406 Bridge St., Columbia, NC 27925). Then turn left into the parking lot - this is the Columbia Medical Center Complex.  Please Note: the parking lot is one-way.

For more information about the Lost Colony Research group, please visit www.lostcolonyresearch.org.

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Save the Date: Virginia Dare's Birthday Celebration

 by Roberta Estes

You're Invited  to  Virginia Dare's Birthday Party

August 18th

Once again, we're celebrating the birthday of little Virginia Dare, born on Roanoke Island on August 18th, 1587, the first European child to be born in what is now America.  Virginia is 424 years old this year!

Every year, the National Park Service hosts a birthday party and celebration for Virginia at the Fort Raleigh National Historic site.  This includes the Park area near the Waterside Theater where the plays are held and the Fort area as well as the Elizabethan Gardens, located nearby but separately.  In the past, we've been near the Waterside Theater, but this year, we're in a new location at the Elizabethan Gardens.  

Now for the great news - entrance to the Elizabethan Gardens is free that day in celebration of Virginia's birthday.

Dawn Taylor and Baylus Brooks will be representing our group.  They will have the list of colonists, info about our projects, and some of the archaeological artifacts found in recent digs on Hatteras Island.  

The Faire includes free activities, music, games and fun for all.  Actors from the play mingle with the crown, in costume of course, during the day.  Be sure to stay for the special play in the evening.  Awards are presented to cast members and a real baby Virginia Dare is included in the case, just for this one special evening.  This is truely an event to remember.

Baylus and Dawn are looking forward to meeting and greeting people.  Hopefully you can be one of them.  We welcome any of our members not just as visitors, but as volunteers as well.  If you're coming to visit and can spend an hour or two, plan on joining Dawn and Baylus at the table.  Just let us know so we're expecting you.  

The address for the Elizabethan Gardens is 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC and we'll be there from about 9 to about 3.






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Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of ..............

The lost wreckage of a ship belonging to 17th century pirate Captain Henry Morgan has been discovered in Panama, said a team of U.S. archaeologists -- and the maker of Captain Morgan rum.

• Archaeologists say it's one of five ships that belonged to the pirate, Captain Henry Morgan.

The lost wreckage of a ship belonging to 17th century pirate Captain Henry Morgan has been discovered in Panama, said a team of U.S. archaeologists -- and the maker of Captain Morgan rum.

NEWS: World's Oldest Heidsieck Champagne Found in Shipwreck
Near the Lajas Reef, where Morgan lost five ships in 1671 including his flagship "Satisfaction," the team uncovered a portion of the starboard side of a wooden ship's hull and a series of unopened cargo boxes and chests encrusted in coral.

The cargo has yet to be opened, but Captain Morgan USA -- which sells the spiced rum named for the eponymous pirate -- is clearly hoping there's liquor in there.

Unopened cargo boxes and chests encrusted in coral were found near the wreck.
Captain Morgan, Chris Bickford

"There's definitely an irony in the situation," Fritz Hanselmann an archaeologist with the River Systems Institute and the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University and head of the dive team told KVUE Austin. The Captain Morgan rum group stepped in on the quest for Captain Morgan after team -- which found a collection of iron cannons nearby -- ran out of funds before they could narrow down the quest.


More here:
http://news.discovery.com/history/captain-morgans-pirate-ship-found-110806.html#mkcpgn=fbnws1

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A New Look at the World the Colonists Came From: The Gough Map of Great Britain

The Gough Map of Great Britain and its Making

The Gough Map is internationally-renowned as one of the earliest maps to show Britain in a geographically-recognizable form. Yet to date, questions remain of how the map was made, who made it, when and why.

This website presents an interactive, searchable edition of the Gough Map, together with contextual material, a blog, and information about the project and the Language of Maps colloquium

http://www.goughmap.org/

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Those who previously Y-DNA tested at a Sorenson Genomics lab based company can now transfer in to Family Tree DNA!!!!

What is the Family Tree DNA Y-DNA Transfer program?  

 

The Y-DNA Transfer program is the opportunity for those who previously Y-DNA tested at a Sorenson Genomics lab based company to take part in Family Tree DNA group projects and to retest at Family Tree DNA.
Transfer customers may choose a basic transfer of Y-DNA46 panel results that will allow them to view their results in a new account and to join group projects. These are the Transfer Y-DNA33 and the Transfer Y-DNA46. They do not include either database matching or haplogroup prediction.
Transfer customers may also choose to test the Y-DNA STR markers required for matching to Family Tree DNA's customers. These are the Transfer Y-DNA33 + Y-DNA25 and the Transfer Y-DNA46 + Y-DNA37. They include database matching and haplogroup prediction. However, they also require a new DNA sample.
Transfer options are:

Option	Price	Project Membership	Database Matching	Haplogroup Prediction
Transfer Y-DNA33	$19	Yes	No	No
Transfer Y-DNA46	$19	Yes	No	No
Transfer Y-DNA33 + Y-DNA25*	$58	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transfer Y-DNA46 + Y-DNA37*	$58	Yes	Yes	Yes

* If you upgrade after ordering a basic transfer, the cost will be $49 US.

More info here:

http://www.familytreedna.com/faq/answers.aspx?id=41

http://www.familytreedna.com/landing/ydna-transfer.aspx


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