Daniel Bishop Davy (1799-1874) followed his father, Robert Davy, as a shipbuilder in Topsham. His Memoranda Book, containing details not only of costs but also of measurements, materials and designs, is here made available, with extensive annotation, for present-day readers. Much can be learned not only about the business carried on by this family firm but also about the economy of British shipbuilding towards the end of the age of sail. The text is preceded by a substantial introduction by the editor, and there is also a biography of Robert Davy and a glossary of technical terms.

Last updated: 29 Oct 2003 - Brian Randell, on behalf of the Society