Chatham and Woolwich initially relied heavily on the Pett family as commissioners and shipwrights. A resident commissioner lived on site because the state needed a trusted manager whose life was bound to the yard's performance. Dismissal could cost the commissioner his job, home, and family security, while serious failure could bring still harsher punishment. Personal livelihood reinforced administrative responsibility for ship quality in this early system of accountability.
Notable Point · 2:15:53-2:18:06
Resident commissioners stake their livelihood on dockyard quality
Government housing tied a resident commissioner's family security to the dockyard, creating powerful incentives to deliver acceptable ships.