Beer-Drinking Children On The Mayflower: A Historical Oddity

Beer was a staple drink for the passengers on the Mayflower, who believed it to be safer than water, which could become contaminated during long journeys. Each person, including children, was rationed about a gallon of beer per day for the journey. While the beer was likely weaker than what we consider beer today, it was still alcoholic.

Beer was a main source of hydration on the Mayflower

Each person on the Mayflower was rationed about a gallon of beer per day for the journey, including the many children on board. The beer consumed by children was probably a weaker version of what we experience as beer today. "Ship's beer", as it was known, did not have a high alcohol content. The beer was essential, as the ship's water supply was likely to become brackish and potentially deadly.

The Mayflower's landing at Plymouth Rock is said to have been influenced by the dwindling beer supply. As the ship approached the coast of what is now known as Massachusetts, the crew and passengers were concerned about the remaining beer, which was an essential part of daily life. Captain Christopher Jones wanted to preserve the dwindling stocks for his sailors on the return journey, so he encouraged the passengers to land near the top of Cape Cod.

Children drank a weaker version of beer

Beer was a staple drink for the passengers on the Mayflower, who viewed it as safer than water, which could become contaminated during long journeys at sea. It is said that even children drank beer, though it was likely a weaker version than what adults consumed.

The beer consumed by children was known as "ship's beer" or "small beer", and it had a low alcohol content. In fact, it was so weak that passengers drank a quart of it per day. This was a common practice at the time, as beer was believed to be healthier than water, which often contained harmful microorganisms.

The Mayflower passengers, both adults and children, were rationed about a gallon of beer per day for the journey. This rationing was intended to ensure that the beer supply would last until they reached their destination. However, due to various setbacks and delays, the beer supply began to dwindle, and the captain made the decision to land at Plymouth Rock earlier than originally planned to preserve the remaining beer for the crew.

The drinking habits of the Mayflower passengers reflect the cultural norms of early America, where alcohol consumption, including beer, was much more prevalent than it is today. In fact, it is estimated that Americans in the early 19th century consumed ten times as much alcohol per capita as they do now.

The Mayflower's journey and the subsequent landing at Plymouth Rock highlight the importance of beer in the daily lives of its passengers, including children. While the children's beer was weaker in strength, it still played a role in their hydration and daily routines during the long and challenging voyage.

Beer was safer to drink than water

Drinking beer was a crucial part of daily life for the Mayflower's passengers, including children. The ship's water supply was likely to become contaminated and unsafe to drink during long voyages, so beer was considered a safer alternative.

In the 1700s, beer was often preferred over water because many water-borne microorganisms that cause illness cannot survive in alcoholic beverages. This made beer and wine essential provisions for long sea journeys. Beer was also a better option for storage, as water kept for extended periods could become contaminated and unsafe.

Each person aboard the Mayflower was rationed about a gallon of beer per day for the journey, including the many children. While the beer consumed by children was likely a weaker version, known as "ship's beer," it still played a vital role in their daily lives.

The Mayflower's landing at Plymouth Rock is also attributed to the dwindling beer supply. As the ship approached the coast, the crew and passengers realised they were running out of beer, which was their primary source of hydration. Captain Christopher Jones wanted to preserve the remaining beer for his sailors' return journey, so he encouraged the passengers to disembark near Cape Cod.

The Mayflower passengers' preference for beer over water illustrates the challenges of drinking water safety in the early 17th century. It also highlights how beer played a significant role in the daily lives of those aboard the Mayflower, including children, who benefited from its safer drinking qualities during a challenging voyage.

Beer was rationed to a gallon per day

Drinking beer was a crucial part of daily life for the Mayflower's passengers. The beer supply was rationed to a gallon per day for each of the men, women, and children on board. This ration was intended to last for the entirety of the journey.

The beer was likely a weaker version of what we know as beer today. Known as "ship's beer", it did not have a high alcohol content. The even weaker "small beer" was also consumed, with passengers drinking a quart of this per day.

Beer was essential to the Mayflower's passengers because it was safer to drink than water. Water stored on ships for long periods could become contaminated and germ-ridden, whereas beer could be stored and ingested for weeks or months without causing illness.

The rations on board the Mayflower were already under pressure due to the ship being blown off course, and the need to turn back twice. When the beer supply began to dwindle, the captain made the decision to land at Plymouth Rock, rather than sailing further south. This was partly to preserve the remaining beer for the crew for the return journey, and partly because the ship needed to keep sailing south to reach the tract of land they were authorised to colonise.

The passengers were forced ashore to make the remaining beer last longer for the crew. William Bradford, one of the passengers, complained that he and the others "were hastened ashore and made to drink water, that the seamen might have the more beer".

Beer was an essential part of daily life

The beer consumed by those on the Mayflower was likely a weaker version of what we experience as beer today. "Ship's beer", as it was known, did not have a high alcohol content. Neither did the even weaker "small beer", of which passengers drank a quart per day. These brews were a workaround to storing water on board the ship. Stored for long periods, a ship's water would become contaminated and germy, whereas beer could be stored and ingested for weeks and months without ill effect, making it the ideal beverage for a lengthy journey.

The Mayflower's passengers were encouraged to land near the top of Cape Cod, as the ship's stores of beer had dwindled. Captain Christopher Jones wanted to preserve the dwindling stocks for his sailors on the return journey, which would be far too dangerous to undertake until the following spring. The pilgrims were unhappy with these instructions, with William Bradford complaining that he and his companions "were hastened ashore and made to drink water, that the seamen might have the more beer".

Once on land, the new settlers remained suspicious of the local water, and Bradford was rebuffed by the captain when he tried to negotiate for more beer. The pilgrims were back aboard the ship shortly after landing due to harsh weather conditions, and on Christmas Day they were even allowed some of the beer. However, half of the settlers would still die over the course of that first winter.

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