If you go down to the docks today, you’re sure of a big surprise.
Figureheads have been round for a long time. The Vikings used them to ward off evil spirits; as time wore on, they personified everything a ship stood for in a non-literate society. But they were big and heavy and unwieldy, cumbersome in times of war, and warships stopped using them; and so did everyone else, for a while.
But merchants – they must have liked a bit of theatre.
My ship sailed from China with a cargo of tea, and it had better sail fast. For the freshest tea fetched the highest price.
So they made clippers in the early 19th century, lightning fast vessels of unparalleled grace which could spirit tea from China for the ever-growing tastes of the British Empire. And the tea races became quite a national sport; they were reported in all the papers and the ship’s owners gained considerable prestige from their success.
Each one had a figurehead.
One of the last clippers to be made – in 1869 – was also one of the fastest. The Cutty Sark, at its top speed, could make 17.5 knots: outstripping all around it. Its day was soon over, what with steam ships and the building of the Suez Canal. But for a brief period it was the fleetest thing on the seas.
It’s figurehead echoed its name.
But what could a cutty sark possibly be?
To answer this, you have to go to Tam O’ Shanter, the poem by Robbie Burns which has such energy and humour it sweeps one off one’s feet. It’s an animated warning to farmers not to stay too late at market, as Tam, the poem’s central character does. And Tam is riding home, late at night, when he sees a vision: witches and warlocks in an unholy dance.
And the most comely witch is one with a nightie – a sark – which is wantonly cutty, slipping down. The witch is called Nannie. And you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her. She’s a nasty piece of work.
Of course, Tam cries out in impulsive admiration, and congratulates the nightie for its waywardness, and the entire pack hare after him, chasing him in a ride to the death.
He escapes, of course, But let that be a lesson to those who stay late at market. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
And which figurehead do you think led the Cutty Sark tea clipper on its scything journeys across the seas?
Indeed. Nannie.
She looks quite graceful from far off. But as you draw nearer her apparel shows clearly that her priority was never going to be personal appearance. And the expression on her face is pure, unadulterated menace.
What a harridan.
I wonder why the powerful creator of the Cutty Sark, John “Jock” “White Hat” Willis, owner of the Sark and a wealthy merchant of his time, chose this creature as his figurehead?
Kate Shrewsday 
She WAS well known as a fast woman?
Very quick! 🙂
Indeed
I meant you, of course.
Ha!
It only took me half a day to bring tea back home from China :-). I must make sure I brew up a pot of tea tomorrow with it. Too jet-lagged tonight to do it.
Lovely. I have a mug of tea by me this very minute. Hasn’t the journey time transformed!
Very interesting. Looks like a wardrobe malfunction to me 🙂
On a side note, we called my grandma Nannie, but I assure you she had a sweet disposition and would never have worn such a nightie.
I am glad to hear it.
Wardrobe malfunction: I love it.
I suppose the bow of the Cutty Sark would be like a nightmarish ducking stool, so quite an suitable arrangement to take vengeance on a wicked witch.
No wonder she looks so grumpy, Roger.
Every time I get the chance to read your posts I am blown away and delighted…what great history! You are amazing!
Kathleen, you are very kind. Thank you.
Well, I knew what a sark was, but I hadn’t thought of the context. Bless the Scots. She is marvelous, and the ship! Thanks, Kate!
She was marvellous. Talk about attitude 🙂
I never knew that Kate. Fascinating read and I am happy not to have triplets.
Yes. Quite a handful 😀
Nanny does look like someone to avoid. Maybe that was the reason she was chosen as the figurehead. “Don’t mess with me.” Thanks for sharing, Kate.
I think you may be right, Judy…
Oh my! My knowledge of the Cutty Sark didn’t go beyond whiskey! 🙂 And I surely didn’t know about Nannie. I don’t think I’ve ever read the famous Burns poem, but I want to now. I, too, would like to know why she was the chosen figurehead, with her menacing visage. Very curious and interesting. So much I didn’t know…the triplets also introduced me to a new song. So much fun!
Lots to take in today. Debra 🙂 That witch led me all over the place…
I might make that face too, if my top fell down like that…………..
No comment.
😀
How irritating to be made of wood and unable to hitch it up!
Call me cynical Kate, but after seeing those two perfectly round, full breasts, that brought to mind that many successful guys don’t always make decisions with the head that’s above their neck, if you get my drift.
Yes. I think you probably nailed the motivation right there, Lame.
Well, if you’d just scalped a bodice-ripper, you’d also have a cross expression!
Which is to say, she has her good points …
Many think so, Col 😀
Sadly I know the look on that face only too well.
Most of us have it in our armoury, Michael 😀
Enjoyed everything about this post, Kate . . .
I’ve tasted a wee dram or two of Cutty Sark but always associated the name with the ship, not a short shift. Nan is indeed a menacing lass, especially brandishing Meg’s tale.
Now you’ll sip your Cutty Sark and think of Nannie, Nancy…
Staying too late at the market can indeed be a bad thing (especially Camden Market) On the other hand, I’m sure that Tam picked up some end of day bargains that made the run in with Nannie worthwhile 😉
I have always admired this kind or art and would surround myself with small replicas but there is just no room in this apt.
😆 you had me at the juxtaposition of title and photo in the blog reader.