Telescope of Captain John Quilliam RN

Date made: late 18th-early 19th century

Maker: unknown

Description: This telescope belonged to Captain John Quilliam, the most famous Manx seafarer of the Napoleonic Wars.

It is housed within its original and now somewhat battered card tube, which testifies to a hard life of use.

Quilliam was a friend of Lord Nelson, and is famous for his part in the Battle of Trafalgar, aboard HMS Victory. When the wheel of the Victory was smashed by enemy fire, he rigged up a system of steering her via the tiller, thus enabling her to continue the fight. It is highly likely that this telescope was with him aboard the Victory.

Measurements: overall: 27 x 6 cm

Materials: glass, wood

Object name: telescope

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1954-3591

Subject tags : SHIC 1.82 - Warfare and defence, Navy

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