Nelson & His World

I recently acquired a modern reprint containing extracts from a book that was extremely popular with naval officers in the 18th century. It is 'Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies' which throws an interesting light on the rather racy underside of the 'Age of Elegance'. Harris's List gave the addresses and abbreviated names of the higher-grade prostitutes, together with details of their appearance and fees, all expressed with some wit, a rather arch humour and a fair number of naval expressions to add amusement and allure.

Unfortunately, there are no images in the reprint but some from the NMM's collection can be seen, together with their rather saucy captions, in the link below:

http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/ser ... ondon.html

Thousands upon thousands of copies of the list were printed annually, but, strange to say, when I checked Abebooks for an original copy, as opposed to a reprint, there was not one to be had. Maybe they were speedily dispatched to the bottom of the ocean?

Presumably well- thumbed, and from various ships when they'd done the rounds!

I note that a sailor in one of the captions is called 'Jack Oakham'. Was this a generic term for a sailor rather like Tommy Atkins for a private soldier?

Doing the rounds Kester........................as an old sea dog, I feel quite embaressed.................. ...........
Robs
ps......Anna where do you get these ideas from.........

Actually, I had never heard of Harris's list until it appeared on my Amazon 'recommended' list. If you buy a book from Amazon, they recommend others of the same type that you might be interested in. So because I bought 'Naval Wives and Mistresses', 'Jack Tar' and other books about 18th century social and naval history they recommended Harris's List.

Robbie, you must read 'Jack Tar'. True, there's a chapter 'A Wife in every Port' that might bring a blush to your cheek, but there is so much else besides about life aboard the ships of Nelson's navy, some of it surprising, I'll bet, even to an old sea dog like you.

Yes, and also sometimes 'Jack Oakum' without any disguised spelling.

Will do....and still lauging.....................
Robbie

Robbie,

I see you hail from Devon. If you're close to Ugborough (near Plymouth), then try to come to our next Jack Tar talk to be held there in the village hall on Trafalgar Day, 8pm, and is suitably called (for this thread) 'Tars & Tarts'.

Lesley

http://www.adkinshistory.com

Hi Lesley
I am most apreciative of your very kind offer of the Trafalgar Day meeting (Tars & Tarts) in Ugborough Village Hall. Unfortunately I am away from the 18th October until November so I will miss it. Your right I am from Devon, Teignmouth so if you ever offer up an invite again, I most certainly would love to take it up.
Kindest & Grateful Regards
Robbie