Note 96 — Chapter VII · FROM THE ACCESSION OF JAMES I. TO THE CLOSE OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

I am far from convinced, however, that the drawing is in this respect correct. Edward Hayward in his book on “The Sizes and Lengths of Riggings for all His Majesties Ships and Frigates,” printed in London in 1660, only twenty-three years after the Sovereign of the Seas was launched, makes no mention whatever of either her royals or of any mast or spar above topgallant, although he mentions in detail the masts and yards and rigging and sails other than royals. He does mention, however, that the Sovereign carried a bonnet to be laced on to her spritsail. It is possible, however, that the royals were added in 1684, when she was rebuilt.