Iron Rowlock
Description: Wrought iron rowlock, found while clearing out the ruins of an old cottage of Bradda Head, believed to have belonged to a 'Nickey' because of 'A' shape and size.
A rowlock is a brace that attaches an oar to a boat. When a boat is rowed, the rowlock acts as a fulcrum for the oar.
The Manx Nickeys were a version of the Cornish herring drifters. They replaced the earlier Manx Luggers because of their increased size and speed, which made sailing to Ireland for the mackerel easier. The Nickeys towed a punt or small boat so that the crew could row ashore when they were in a large harbour. The fishing boats were popular from the 1860s to 1890s, but were later replaced by the smaller Manx Nobbies. These vessels were easier to sail with fewer or an older crew, and remained the most common Manx fishing boat until the Second World War.
Measurements: overall: 26 x 13 x 2 cm
Materials: Iron
Object name: Rowlock
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1963-0027
Comments
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