Votive Model The Schip from the Dutch Republic dated to 1688 on display at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum in Aberdeen, Scotland
This model was purchased by the Aberdeen Shipmaster Society in 1689 for the Seaman’s Loft of St Nicholas Kirk. The “Schip” is so named due to its origins in the Netherlands where the practice of hanging votive ships in churches is common. Scottish coastal cities, especially on the east coast, had trading links with the German States, Scandinavian kingdoms and the Dutch Republic. Because of this, traders would settle in Scotland and bring their customs with them, especially ones like this which were for a crews and ships safety when travelling at sea.
The vessel itself is a 5th rate warship, that is a ship between 32 and 50 guns. The Dutch navy was one of the few that could stand up to the Royal Navy but would lose during the Anglo-Dutch wars.
Photographs taken by myself 2016
