It is the capstan from a winch on a wooden or ironclad-over-wood sailing ship. One stuck a stick in the square hole (rounded at the other end, as the "sticks" served double duty as tie-off points while under sail). Hence the idiomatic expression(s) regarding round pegs in square holes ... a mistake reputed to be common amongst novice seamen.
You are probably also right about it being turned into a lantern or light over a doorway. Perhaps it was formerly a ship's chandlery...
It is the capstan from a winch on a wooden or ironclad-over-wood sailing ship. One stuck a stick in the square hole (rounded at the other end, as the "sticks" served double duty as tie-off points while under sail). Hence the idiomatic expression(s) regarding round pegs in square holes ... a mistake reputed to be common amongst novice seamen.
ReplyDeleteYou are probably also right about it being turned into a lantern or light over a doorway. Perhaps it was formerly a ship's chandlery...
Interesting. Thanks for the info, Wil.
ReplyDelete