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Unveiling Pirate Brutality
The high seas inspire tales of swashbuckling adventure, secret treasures, and unforgettable heroes. Yet, alongside these thrilling narratives lies a grim chapter of maritime history that remains shrouded in dark shadows. One of the most horrifying pirate punishments was keelhauling—a brutal method employed to instill fear and maintain discipline on pirate ships. This exploration offers a closer look at keelhauling, its origins, methods, and the lasting impact it had on the lives of sailors during the Age of Piracy.
The Roots of Keelhauling
Keelhauling originates from the Dutch word “keel,” referring to the bottom of a ship. This gruesome punishment involved dragging a sailor under the ship's keel, typically used against those convicted of serious offenses like desertion, mutiny, or theft.
Historically, keelhauling emerged around the late Middle Ages and spread among various naval and pirate crews. The brutal nature of life at sea necessitated such harsh disciplinary measures. Captains needed to keep order amidst the perilous environment of the ocean, where survival relied on teamwork and strict adherence to authority. For instance, one account notes that in the 18th century, approximately 30% of sailors faced punishments like keelhauling, showcasing the severity of order enforcement on pirate ships.
The Horrifying Process
Keelhauling was terrifying in execution. A sailor accused of a crime would be tied to a rope and dragged beneath the ship, often from one side to the other. The duration of this torment could last anywhere from 20 seconds to several minutes depending on the captain’s whim and the severity of the supposed crime.
The risks were immense. Sailors could drown, and the barnacles scraping against their skin often resulted in severe lacerations, causing prolonged suffering or even death. For example, records indicate that nearly 50% of those subjected to keelhauling did not survive due to the treacherous conditions. This gruesome punishment kept the crew in line, as tales of previous victims spread like wildfire.
The Psychological Toll
The impact of keelhauling extended beyond physical pain. The mere mention of this punishment instilled a deep fear among the crew. It served as a chilling reminder of the captain’s absolute authority over life and death on board.
This environment of fear was crucial to maintaining discipline. In situations where trust among crew members was essential for survival, the threat of keelhauling could disrupt camaraderie. Sailors lived under constant anxiety, knowing that any mistake could lead to a terrifying fate. Historical accounts suggest that 75% of sailors feared harsh punishments, which contributed to an oppressive atmosphere on pirate ships, eroding the crew's sense of safety and unity.
Other Forms of Punishment
While keelhauling is the most notorious punishment, pirate ships employed various other forms of discipline. Flogging, marooning (abandoning sailors on isolated islands), and execution were also prevalent, each serving unique purposes based on the nature of the offenses. For instance, flogging was often applied for minor infractions and aimed to instill immediate pain without the lethal consequences of keelhauling.
As maritime law evolved in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, methods of punishment shifted away from brutal practices like keelhauling toward more humane and standardised naval discipline. This transition significantly changed how captains managed crew conduct, reflecting growing concerns for sailor welfare.
Interestingly, contemporary portrayals of piracy often overlook these brutal practices and instead focus on adventure and treasure, thus distorting historical realities. Learning about these darker aspects enhances our understanding of life at sea and the harsh realities that sailors endured daily.
The Enduring Legacy of Keelhauling
Keelhauling has left a deep imprint on maritime history and popular culture. While its use has largely vanished from modern naval practices, stories and depictions of keelhauling persist in novels, films, and folklore, perpetuating the fear associated with this punishment.
This legacy is a grim reminder of the brutality that once shaped pirate culture. It emphasises the importance of maintaining order and discipline, concepts that resonate across various aspects of life today, whether in academic, professional, or personal settings. A pro tip for enhancing team dynamics is establishing clear communication channels and protocols for addressing conflicts and fostering a supportive atmosphere that mitigates the need for drastic measures.
Reflecting on Maritime Realities
As we examine keelhauling, it becomes evident that life on the high seas was not only a realm of adventure but also a domain rife with terror and oppression. The practice of keelhauling symbolises the extreme measures captains took to assert control and discipline aboard their ships.
While the romanticised image of pirates remains prevalent in popular culture, understanding the harsh realities they faced gives us valuable insight into human nature and the importance of trust and discipline in group dynamics. By exploring the grim practices of the past, we gain perspective on the legacies that continue to shape our understanding of both the seas and society.
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Paul Rushworth-Brown is the author of three novels:
BOOK CLUB: Skulduggery
March 27, 2024
annesteer
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[Average: 5]
Skulduggery by Paul Rushworth-Brown is a historical crime story and also a story of love. It is set in the early 1600s in England during a time of unrest and violence.
Queen Bess, Elizabeth I, had died and King James now reigns. A Catholic plot against him, The Gun Powder Plot, has put the country in turmoil.
Catholics were hunted, tortured and imprisoned. The poor were poorer, food was scarce. It was a difficult and dangerous time.
On the moors of Yorkshire Thomas Rushworth is reminiscing the past, from the death of his father to the present time. There have been good times and bad, happy times and sad.
His life as a peasant is to tend in the fields for the Lord from sunrise to sunset, pruning, weeding, harvesting and ploughing.
One night Thomas and Margery, his mother, come across a drunkard who had been bashed and robbed. John Hargreaves had won money at the King’s Arms, been followed and his winnings stolen. They help John to their cottage and assist him.
This chance meeting with John Hargreaves changes the lives of both families.
Margery has noticed John’s daughter, Agnes, and has plans for her to marry Thomas.
The Hargreaves and the Rushworth families attempt to get to the bottom of the thieving and attacks, putting themselves in danger.
The historical aspect of the story keeps you interested as you learn how the rich and the poor lived at the time. All the fines, the dues, the death and wedding fees all paid to the Lord of the manor.
The relationships between the characters keep you engaged.
The dictionary definition of Skulduggery is “underhand, unscrupulous, dishonest behaviour or activities”. There is definitely plenty of this in the story.
This is a book for fans of historical fiction. It is well written using the language of the time to describe the events.
Red Winter Journey is the follow up book. This book is set in 1642 and follows the Rushworth family now caught up in the ravages of the English Civil War.
It is interesting to mention that Paul Rushworth-Brown embarked on a project to write a family history for his children. Through his research it has led him to a passion for writing historical novels.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading Skulduggery by Paul Rushworth-Brown. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
See the reviews on the Beauty and Lace Website. Click above!
Come on this historic journey, which twists, turns and surprises until the very end. If you like history, adventure and intrigue with a dash of spirited love, then you will be engrossed by this tale of a peasant family unexpectedly getting caught up in the ravages of the English Civil War in 1642.
"A fictional, historical novel about a loving peasant family caught up in a 1642 shocking Civil War. Humour, romance, adventure and excitement are here to enjoy. A great story,not one of war but of a father's love for his son."
Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On
An Editorial Review: Beggars, Cutpurses, Outlaws, oh my - an Editorial Review of "Dream of Courage"
Book Blurb:
IN THE HEART OF 18TH-CENTURY ENGLAND, ON THE MOORS AND AMIDST THE GRIMY ALLEYS OF LEEDS, THE LIVES OF JOHN AND ROBERT RUSHWORTH UNFOLD IN A GRIPPING SAGA OF AMBITION, DANGER AND REDEMPTION.
Leaving the desolate moors behind, the brothers venture to Leeds with dreams of escaping poverty's clutches and carving their names into the annals of history.
In a world teeming with beggars, cutpurses and outlaws, the Rushworth brothers navigate treacherous paths, facing fear and uncertainty head on. Amidst the backdrop of a ruthless era, where murder and theft weave a web of ominous intrigue, the enigmatic tavern keeper, Smythe, holds their fates in his hands.
A pirate captain, Captain Girlington, steps into their lives, harbouring secrets and a choice between love and the call of the sea. The brutish Jacob Wilding enters the fray, driven by relentless determination to capture Robert Rushworth and claim a perilous reward.
Bound by a curse that threatens to consume them, the Rushworth brothers must confront their inner demons and forge a path back to success.
In a tale where historical fact merges seamlessly with heart-pounding fiction, Dream of Courage unravels a tapestry of suspense, intrigue and human resilience to be experienced...
"Another great work by a very talented author who loves his period works and characters from his great plots. He writes with verve and intent to deliver the imagination something unexpected and greatly appreciated... Brilliant..." Gavin, Readalot Magazine reviewer
Like many citizens of eighteenth-century England, brothers John and Robert Rushworth just want to make their fortune. Jacob Wilding just wants a fortune as well but believes that his path to that fortune will come to fruition by capturing Robert and redeeming a reward that will completely change his life. A colorful cast of characters, adventure at sea, a bit of forbidden love, murder, and mystery make Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On by Paul Rushworth-Brown a book that readers won’t be able to put down. Will Jacob cash in on the bounty on Robert’s head or will John and Robert narrowly escape and find their fortunes after all? Expertly written and full of action, Rushworth-Brown has created a fantastic story in Dream of Courage: Facing Fead Head On.
“Tommy loved his wife. She was younger, a country rose. Her freckled face and bright persona improved the mood of all who met her. The high cheek bones and fresh, pale skin was flushed with a rosiness from the heat of the fire. When she untied the ties of her wimple she would shake her dark hair loose allowing it to drop down past her shoulders. Her blue eyes glinted with glee.”
One thing that really sets this book apart from others about this time period is the sense of adventure that the story brings. From swashbuckling pirates to treacherous journeys, the Rushworth brothers experience a life that is most likely far more exhilarating than the average citizen of eighteenth-century England.
“The evening hung heavy with a sense of impending loss as William stood outside their humble cottage, the crisp air biting at his cheeks. His gaze was fixed on the door, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and hope. Isabel, his beloved wife, had been laboring for hours, and every passing minute felt like an eternity.”
Rushworth-Brown’s writing is straightforward to read and follow. He writes in a way that draws the readers in and provides detailed descriptions and imagery in every paragraph. This allows readers to picture better the places, events, and people referenced within the story in their minds. His use of detail is by far one of the best features of Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On. In addition to excellent writing, Rushworth-Brown also includes a lot of action in the story. This keeps the plot moving along nicely and creates excellent pacing. Readers who often struggle to stay engaged will most likely not find thatan issue when reading Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On.
“Robert paced the small chamber, his frustration gnawing at him like a persistent ache. The spoils of their illicit endeavors lay scattered on the worn wooden table—glittering trinkets, jingling coin, and the remnants of their daring escapades. But amidst the stolen treasures, an invisible divide had taken root, threatening to cleave the once unbreakable bond between the twins.”
The author clearly has a passion for history and it is very evident in his writing. He weaves the tales and describes the historical time and setting in a way that readers can visualize what life was like during this time period. One of the things that the author does is include footnotes with information about the items he references for the readers. That author clearly recognizes that many casual historical fiction readers might not possess an in-depth knowledge of particular historical terms or references so he provides that information for them via footnotes addressing everything from the description of food to job descriptions. This is unusual for a fiction book but it was a very nice touch. Readers will appreciate this thorough approach of the author.
“With each strike, Will stood tall, his defiance a testament to his strength and resolve. The pain was sharp, but he refused to let it break him. As the whipping stick fell again, Will's gaze remained steady, a spark of determination flickering. He would endure, fight, and stand strong for his family and the truth they held dear.”
The likely intended audience for this Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On are those who enjoy historical fiction and adventure books. It is fast-paced and will be a great choice for readers who often find themselves easily distracted. At close to five hundred pages, readers who are not accustomed to lengthier books might find it overwhelming, but the pacing and action within the book will help many readers look past the book's length. The book does appear to be part of a series which will delight readers who love Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On.
“The fire burned low, its embers casting a faint glow upon their faces as they exchanged silent vows. The journey ahead would not be easy; they were up against powerful forces, entwined in a conspiracy far beyond their understanding. But they were not alone. Their determination, resilience, and the glimmering sapphire that now rested in their possession, would guide their path.”
A tale of adventure wrapped up with a touch of mystery, Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On earns a 4.5 out of five rating. Adventures and history combine to create a book that readers will thoroughly enjoy. It is a great choice for those just dipping their toes into historical fiction.
*****
“Dream of Courage: Facing Fear Head On” by Paul Rushwoth-Brown receives 4.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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