Shipbuilding in times of war: Contracts for the construction of ships and provision of supplies in the Spanish Empire in the early seventeenth century

Abstract

In the early seventeenth century, the construction of galleons and high seas warships became an essential strategic concern for the king of Spain, even more so than in the previous century. In 1603, Philip III ordered the establishment of a Committee for the Building of Ships (Junta para la Fábrica de Navíos), which signed several contracts (asientos) with private individuals to build squadrons and ships. What were the shipbuilding conditions outlined in contracts signed under the auspices of such a committee? By addressing this question, this research note sheds light on the shipbuilding strategies of the Spanish Crown before the Twelve Years’ Truce (1609–1621). The notes are part of an ongoing research project on the Spanish Empire’s political restructuring of shipbuilding policies during the first half of the seventeenth century.