Deptford Yard

Deptford was chosen because it was about six and half kilometres downstream of London Bridge. Foodstuffs and stores bought at the capital's markets could easily be transported to the yard by barge or wagon. Deptford was also conveniently situated for transporting supplies to dockyards further downstream, and to ships anchored on the Nore bank at the mouth of the Thames some eighty kilometres away.

In Cook's day, the Deptford Yard had two docks that could repair up to three vessels at a time. However, victualling was the main function of the Deptford yard. During the course of the eighteenth century, naval wars resulted in the building of larger, more heavily armed vessels. Sailing these warships up river to Deptford was difficult because of the meandering course of the Thames, strong tides and what were often unfavorable winds. By the early 1770s, silting in the Thames had made it impossible for vessels larger than frigates to dock safely at the Deptford yard.

Cultural Artefacts: Malt Wort

Natural Phenomena: Scurvy

People: McBride, David (1720 - 1769)

Places: England