Dead-eye

Bryan Smith with a dead-eye from the wreck

During the 2006 season a concreted dead-eye was recovered. This is the second to have been found. Dead-eyes were solid blocks of wood that were recessed around their circumferences to take the rope or iron strop that held them in position. They functioned in pairs to secure the shrouds (the ropes which gave lateral support to the masts) to the chain plates which were fixed to the ship's sides. Because of its iron content, it seems almost certain that the present example was a lower, or chain plate dead-eye. Dead-eyes usually feature three holes, but in this case x-rays reveal five. The purpose of the holes was so that a lanyard could be passed between the blocks to give the purchase that was necessary to tighten the shouds which, because of the constant straining and changes in state between wet and dry, were in regular need of adjustment.

^{An x-ray of the dead-eye}

Copyright

The data and digital images of artefacts contained within this web-site and its accompanying database are the copyright of the Alderney Maritime Trust.

They can be reproduced without permission for study or personal use and for educational displays or programmes within schools. Where practical, an acknowledgement of the Alderney Maritime Trust would be appreciated.

They may not, however, be copied or reproduced, in any form, for publication or commercial purposes without the written permission of the Alderney Maritime Trust.

People and organisations must not distribute, or otherwise disseminate, the data or images contained within this web-site and its accompanying database, without making clear to the receiver, the license terms and copyright provisos described above.