Shipbuilding and navigation in Adams's apprenticeship

Adams's later usefulness depended on the range of skills expected of a capable maritime officer, including leadership and administration. He was born in Gillingham, Kent, and lost his father when he was twelve. An apprenticeship with Nicholas Diggins brought training in shipbuilding, astronomy and navigation. Access to that apprenticeship suggests that his family had some resources or connections. Describing his background as lower middle class is a modern approximation and remains an inference.