Naval School, Greenwich & Block Model Ship.

Repro ID: PU2249

Description: This appears to be a view of the first 'Fame', the drill ship constructed in 1843 for the 'sea exercises' of boys of the Greenwich Hospital School. The 'Fame' stood in front of the Queen's House, which is seen in the background with the Observatory beyond. The ship was built for £250, largely by the school carpenters and the boys, under the direction of Lt Rose, using old timber from the Hospital and redundant ship parts from Chatham Dockyard. She was modelled on a naval brig but ship-rigged, as shown here with the boys 'manning the yards'. The immediate site, also shown here, was then surrounded by walls. These had enclosed the girls' play area of the School - girls were resident in the Queen's House until girls' education was discontinued in 1841.

Creator: Rock & Co (printers)

Date: c. 1843

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London