All aboard the King George and Happy Captive : European shipnaming practices in the trans-Atlantic slave trade,1750–1755

Abstract

This study examines the names and symbolism of slave ship vessels between 1750 and 1755. Undertaking trans-oceanic travel in the eighteenth century was a perilous venture. Sea storms threatened vessels and their crew members, who were near defenceless in the face of such violent natural elements. First, merchants sought to name their vessels for traits that bespoke speed. A vessel that remained for long stretches of time in any port lost capital by the day. Consequently, ships stayed for short periods of time in Atlantic harbours whenever possible. Second, force was also central to merchants’ naming patterns. Through christening their vessels after absolute monarchs, saints, classical deities and heroes, merchants sought appellations that represented a symbolic, or in many instances, real protection against the elements at sea.