Greenwich pensioners.

Greenwich pensioners. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: H1651

Description: Some portraits of Greenwich pensioners, from the 'Illustrated London News'. Greenwich was well known for its pensioners, characterised by their uniforms and often missing body parts. If a seaman suffered serious injury during battle at sea, the surgeons would amputate to avoid blood poisoning and other infections. This was the only way at the time to care for the injured on board a ship.

Creator: 'Illustrated London News'

Date: 13 April 1844

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London