Navy Board offices divided finance, construction, records, food, stores, and weapons among specialist administrators. The comptroller coordinated much of the machinery that made fleet operations possible, while the surveyor and clerk influenced design and standards. Victualling commonly required two office-holders to secure enough food for the fleet. Ordnance specialists continued to attend procurement discussions even after their formal board seat disappeared. Samuel Pepys held the Clerk of the Navy post and developed lasting systems of ship rating and administrative standardization.
Chapter · 20:00-26:24
The Navy Board offices that sustained the fleet
Meet the treasurer, surveyor, clerk, victualling officers, comptroller, storekeeper, and ordnance officials behind the sailing navy.