The Centurions' large after accommodation for an admiral's entertaining contrasts with the reality of coal-fired triple-expansion propulsion. A ship could project diplomatic polish abroad, yet coaling filled it with soot and coal dust. The crew might spend about a week cleaning after taking coal aboard. That repetitive labour made long-range imperial presence possible.
Notable Point · 22:05-22:52
Coal turns global presence into constant maintenance
The Centurions' showy admiral accommodation sat inside coal-fired ships whose crews faced pervasive soot and days of cleanup after coaling.