The Press-Gang

The violence in Morland’s painting underlines the brutality of the press gang. Parliamentary laws gave the Royal Navy the right to recruit men by force. In times of war the practice was also used to enlist soldiers into the army. Experienced sailors, like the terrified boatman in the red coat in this picture, were favoured targets. Although the practice fell into disuse after the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815), laws passed as late as 1835 upheld the government’s right to impress its citizens into service. The painting's companion, The Cottage Door, hangs nearby.

Bought by Thomas Holloway, 1883.