Orlop & Hold

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Iron bars were used as ballast - literally tons of them - to counter the weight of the masts and sails above. Without it, the ship would lose trim and become unstable, increasing risk of capsizingThe Carpenter's Walkway ran the length of the ship below the waterline - essential for dealing with any leaks or hull breaches sustained in battle or by collision with reefs or rocksThe hold contained all food and drink needed for the voyage, stored in barrels. These would have to be routinely replenished whenever landfall was madeThe powder magazines were entirely lined with copper to prevent sparks from causing an explosion that would easily have sunk the ship

The Orlop Deck and Hold were used for storing the necessities of a long voyage - food, fresh water, spare sails, ammunition, clothing, personal effects and alcohol - the latter with a permanent Marine guard! The ship's supply of gunpowder was kept in fore and aft magazines, lined with copper to prevent stray sparks from igniting it. The "powder monkeys " - boy (and sometimes girl) sailors who would pass the charges up through hatches in the ceiling - worked in near darkness, their only light coming from candle lanterns behind thick glass bull's eyes. On this deck too was the Carpenter's walk, a narrow passage to give the ship's carpenter access to any damage below the waterline.

 A. After Magazine
B. After Platform & Cockpit
C. Main Hold, where most provisions were kept, as well as the location of the vessel's ballast and bilge
D. Forward Platform, Magazine & Orlop
Please note that these parts of the ship off limits to disabled visitors, as the lift does not extend to this deck

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