Besom Broom
Description
‘Besom’ is a historical term given to a bundle of twigs tied together and secured to a handle. The simple design of a besom brush served the important purpose of ‘breaming’ the ship. This is the practice of burning off the seaweed, barnacles and other growth on the hull of the vessel. Despite the obvious risk of fire, this was an essential cleaning task since even the slightest hull growth would slow a ship down. Ships that were known to have been breamed at Chatham including the 100 gun HMS Royal Sovereign.
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Object Detail
Catalogue Number
INV.69
Classification
Collection
Measurement Display
Length: 650mm
Width: 260mm
Depth: 90mm (3 9/16")
Weight: (0.48kg)
Width: 260mm
Depth: 90mm (3 9/16")
Weight: (0.48kg)
Primary Prod Date
Primary Prod Period