Hello Forum - any historians who can help?
 

Hi
I'm Steve in Cambridge UK, a screenwriter in the early stages of creating a TV drama in 8 parts that addresses penal life for women in the early 1800s. I have a production company and a well-known producer attached to the project and the series is 25% written. I am looking for help and advice from people who have some knowledge of small merchantmen used as convict transports around 1830. In particular, possible/likely ship construction, layout and architecture. The ship I have in mind is a 95' bark of ca 200 tons. She had been built as a brig and then lengthened with a mizzen mast added later on in her life. (Not unlike HMS Beagle - which was broader in beam but around the same length and tonnage)
If possible I'd also appreciate input on late Regency period naval vocabulary. This series is based on a true story and I want the details to be credible! If you can't help directly, maybe you know someone who can?
Thanks in anticipation!

Greetings Steverob and welcome to SH. Bon voyage.

If you do not already have a copy I would most certainly recommend 'The Sailor's Word Book' by Admiral W.H.Smyth.
Originally published mid 19th century but still available as reproduction reprints today.
If it is good enough for Patrick O'Brian it should suit your purposes well.

It is available as a free E-Book. I am sure every ship-owner will also have a copy. Or his lawyers will anyway:

ACT OF GOD. This comprehends all sudden accidents arising from physical causes, as distinguished from human agency, such as from lightning, earthquakes, hurricanes, plagues, and epidemic contagion amongst the crew. For none of these are ship-owners responsible.

Great thanks!