1765 HMS Victory anchor, Portsmouth, England

The HMS Victory anchors weighted two tons each, and the 24" circumference hemp anchor cable weighed 4 1/2 tons, so hoisting the anchor was not a trivial job.

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Fitted either side of the main sailroom are the tiers for stowing the anchor cable. Victory carried 6 anchor cables each 24 inches in circumference and 600 feet long.

This cable locker on the orlop deck, which was also the deck for tending wounded men in battle, was used to store the anchor cable. It was so heavy when wet 40 men were used to coil the cable. The floor was painted with red ochre paint for waterproofing. Note the perforated bulkheads to help the anchor cable to dry

This cable locker on the orlop deck, which was also the deck for tending wounded men in battle, was used to store the anchor cable. This cable was so heavy when wet that 40 men were needed just to coil the cable. The floor was painted with red ochre paint for waterproofing. Note the perforated bulkheads to help the anchor cable to dry.

Two huge capstans were used to raise the anchor, this is the upper capstan which was connected to the lower capstan on the floor below.

Two huge capstans were used to raise the anchor, this is the upper capstan which was connected to the lower capstan on the floor below. Each capstan could take 12 or 14 capstan bars, each of which had space for 6 men. The anchor cable was too big to use on the capstan, so a smaller messenger cable was on the capstan and clipped to the anchor cable while hoisting.

Two huge capstans were used to raise the anchor, this is the lower capstan which was connected to the upper capstan on the floor above.

Two huge capstans were used to raise the anchor, this is the lower capstan which was connected to the upper capstan on the floor above. Also used for hoisting stores, guns and boats along with raising masts and the lower yards. The anchor cable was too big to use on the capstan, so a smaller messenger cable was on the capstan and clipped to the anchor cable while hoisting.

The capstan spars. The iron stantions around the drumhead were removed by swinging out the heel and knocking out the retaining pins so the capstan spars could have enough room to swing around.

Spools for storing various line and cables.

The Victory also has these spools for storing lines and cables of various sizes. The amount of line on the ship was incredible, as it was used for so many things.

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