Employing extensive primary research, author Richard Endsor has produced one of the most detailed building and career histories of any vessel, in turn making a major contribution to modern understanding of English shipbuilding practice during the Restoration period. Every aspect of Lenox is covered in great detail, from initial design and construction to armament, fitting out and her later career. The book provides a broad picture of the day-to-day workings of Deptford dockyard, including the techniques, trade and tools of the shipwrights, sail-makers and rope-makers. It simultaneously demonstrates a very keen insight into the workings of naval administration. Construction of Lenox and her sisters was largely down to Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist and Secretary to the Admiralty, who considered the Thirty Ships programme to be “the greatest achievement of my career”. Pepys figures as a key character in the context of Lenox’s design, construction and build and indeed such human interest is woven throughout. Employing original documents, individuals are shown to have influenced many aspects of the ship, which in turn, through this work, has now reserved its own place in maritime scholarship. “The Restoration Warship” will justifiably enter the canon of standard reference works on shipbuilding practice in the age of sail.

Edition: 2009