The interior of a midshipman's berth.

Repro ID: PW3730

Description: This scene of life aboard ship in the navy demonstrates that even in cramped conditions leisure time was well used. Music is played on pipe and fiddle while the midshipmen drink from their earthenware jugs and cups. Others read or play cards to while away the time. Midshipmen were relatively privileged in this case, having a black mess servant to attend to them.

Creator: George Humphrey (publisher)

Date: 12th Aug 1821

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London