Rigging shop

I presume the loose stuff on the floor is left over from braiding or whatever the correct term for finishing ropes off is. Strange business making ropes. There are a couple of caves near Castleton in Derbyshire which were used as rope walks in which the ropes were constructed by twisting the strands together - I am sure there is another in the Yorkshire Dales. I wonder why they were so far from the place of use? Working with these old ropes must have been really hard on your hands.

It looks like that might be a large oil lamp suspended from the ceiling two-thirds of the way back. Bit of a fire hazard in there I would think - but presumably all that was available then.

Brian

And let us not forget that the Titanic carried a full set of sails on her maiden voyage, in case of engine failure!

Dave

Brian, look again..... you will see that at the far end there is a standard H&W Sluice Valve, any hint of smoke and the it opens automatically and all is quiet.

Sorry to get all nostalgic, but can you imagine the smell of this place?
I haven't been to sea for 40 years, but I know just what it would be like walking in there!