Threedecks Forum

Hi. I'm new here. I specifically signed up to ask someone more knowledgeable what the purpose of 18th century slop ships was. I've read in various history books that some ships were converted to slop ships while others were built specifically for that purpose, or that Charles Middletone (Baron Barham) introduced a system of 'slop ships' in home ports, in 1781. Was this simply a receiving area for new recruits, where they received their slops/clothes? Or did it serve some other purpose? Thank you for your time

Your suggestion that slop ships were store ships for sailors' clothing (and similar supplies such as bedding) is correct. You can search this website for a list of (British) ships defined as 'slop ships'.