Another model of a different type of ship which was part of the Order of St John’s (and of Malta) navy which is exhibited at the Maritime Museum. In the showcase in the background are two mannequins dressed in the uniforms of naval officers of the Order.
The vascello was a warship developed from the galleon in the 17th century. Our guide at the museum said that although this ship had fewer guns than the Carrack it was faster and more manoeuvreable.
I have searched for some more information in English about this particular warship but the only information I found was in Italian so this is my abbreviated translation of the original. This type of ship became the principal naval warship until the end of the 18th century when some of its role was taken over by the smaller and even faster ‘fregata’. However, the Vascello remained very important because it had far greater firing power than the ‘ fregata’and could resist better heavy gunfire from the enemy. The Vascello remained the principle warship in Europe up to the era of the ironclad steam ships.
The Maltese were very good sailors and among the best marksmen on the ships’ guns in the world. They were well paid for their jobs contrary to how much more important navies enrolled their sailors through press gangs.
Many thanks for all your views, comments and favs. Always much appreciated.
An other beautiful capture of a beautiful model.
( I`ll search for them in the nex couple of weeks) .
A little historical leason. Because we where able to saw timber by windmills our time of building a ship decrease from ten years to one. That`s why we where able to win wars and build cheap ships to sail to the east.
( I`ll search for them in the nex couple of weeks) .
A little historical leason. Because we where able to saw timber by windmills our time of building a ship decrease from ten years to one. That`s why we where able to win wars and build cheap ships to sail to the east.