A taste of the archives

The voyage of Philip Stanhope

It is April 1699 and a 19 year old seaman is aboard the HMS Gloucester, sailing in the treacherous waters of the Caribbean…

In Kent Archives, we have documents relating to the brief but eventful Royal Navy career of Captain Philip Stanhope. These include his diaries from 1698 to 1705 in which he records the experiences of his early voyages.

The diaries are held in the Centre for Kentish Studies and listed in the catalogue of Kent Archives as:

Stanhope of Chevening Manuscripts
Official Papers
Captain Philip Stanhope
Ships logs and diaries
Reference: U1590/O100/1-4

Julia, one of our Time 2 Give Volunteer, has a special mission for the National Year of Reading. She is reading Philip Stanhope's diary of 1699. The handwriting, punctuation, terms and references can be curious, but the diary is full of intrigue and adventure.

Week by week throughout April 2008, follow the progress of Philip Stanhope on his voyage, as Julia posts her transcriptions of the diary entries (this link opens in a new window) for April 1699 and contribute your comments.