Description

The shrouds and stays would have been served to protect them from chafing and moisture. Witsen (Hoving, 2012, p. 117) states that before serving, “the rope had to be wormed and parcelled”, no evidence of parcelling can be seen on any of the Swash samples but one piece of the rigging had worming, as well as the breaching line from the gun.

Several pieces of cordage have been interpreted as belonging to the shrouds or the stays. These lines were approximately 52-58mm diameter (6½ – 7¼ inch in circumference).

SCW666 consists of two ropes both 56mm diameter (7 inches in circumference), each strand has c. 69 quite coarse yarns. Both have the remains of serving in 5-6mm diameter, S laid, 3 strand stuff, the strands being single yarn, Z laid. One piece, 460 mm long, has part of a built up “Mouse” and another has evidence of ratlines.