The Health of Workers in the Royal Dockyard, Portsmouth

Biddle, Richard

doi:10.4324/9781315604657-6

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Chatham Dockyard and The Building Of Hms Achilles 1859–18651

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2016

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“…In addition to being shore-based, the position was well paid and came with a house too. 38 For those who, like Gunn, had young families, these benefits offset the demanding nature of the post. With numerous environmental hazards including deep water and precipitous dry docks, along with work that frequently involved the use of machinery and heavy lifting gear, accidents were commonplace.…”

Section: Chatham Dockyard and The Building Of Hms Achilles 1859–1865mentioning

confidence: 99%

Doctor William Gunn (1804–1890): From the South Pacific Islands to Chatham Royal Dockyard

Biddle

2016

J Med Biogr

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Doctor William Gunn had a long and varied career in the Royal Navy. After spending time on anti-slavery patrols along the west coast of Africa, he was posted to the south Pacific. At Pitcairn Island, he treated the inhabitants during an influenza epidemic, proving himself to be a determined and dedicated practitioner. Subsequently, he was appointed head of the medical department at Chatham Royal Dockyard (1859-1865), an appointment that coincided with the final stages of the Royal Navy's transition from sail and wood to steam and iron. The impact of these changes on the health of dockworkers was quickly felt at Chatham, and Gunn found himself in charge during the building of the first iron warship in a royal dockyard. His story thus offers a window through which to observe a practitioner confronting the health issues and medical uncertainties thrown up by technological change in the Victorian era.

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Section: Chatham Dockyard and The Building Of Hms Achilles 1859–1865mentioning

confidence: 99%