THE METROPOLITAN ASYLUMS BOARD
(MAB)

TRAINING SHIPS AND THEIR INFIRMARIES

As well as caring for the sick, MAB also provided naval training for pauper boys aged between 13 and 16 years, many of whom afterwards joined the Royal Navy or merchant navy.

The hulks of obsolete wooden warships were permanently moored in harbours and rivers around the United Kingdom and were used from 1856 as training ships.  They were managed by various organisations, such as charitable societies or local authorities.

The original scheme had been operated on the Goliath by the Forest Gate School District, but the Training Ship burned down in 1875.  The Local Government Board decided that the Goliath should be replaced by the Exmouth, and MAB took over its management.

The Training Ship Exmouth had its own infirmary. When the T.S. Shaftesbury, run by the School Board for London, closed in 1905 MAB took over the Shaftesbury's Infirmary and mooring.


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