Peter Pett, 1610-70, and the Sovereign of the Seas. © NMM

Building the Prince Royal, the largest ship that had ever been constructed in England. She weighed 1400 tons and carried 64 guns. Other shipbuilders disapproved of her unique structure, but Pett had the support of James I and particularly Prince Henry, who was on board when she was launched.

Building the Sovereign of the Seas with his son, Peter. She was one of the finest ships in English service for nearly sixty years, gaining a reputation throughout Europe. The Dutch called her the Golden Devil.

The Petts had a long tradition of working on the Thames and held various posts in the Royal Dockyards since the reign of Henry VII. Phineas was the first great shipbuilder of the family.

Phineas Pett built one of the very first dry docks in England.

As a young carpenter Phineas Pett would spend his long winter evenings learning the skills of his profession, the drawing, cyphering, and mathematics.

Pett never sailed with his ships in the early years of career, because he cared for his two sisters, who had fled from home and their barbarous stepfather.

Phineas Pett was a great model shipbuilder, making models for Prince Henry, the Prince of Wales and even for Prince Charles, the future Charles II.