Benjamin Rosewell (shipwright)

Benjamin Rosewell (c.1665–1737) was a master shipwright at Harwich, Plymouth, Chatham and Sheerness Naval Dockyards, and Governor of Hawkins Hospital, Chatham.

Benjamin was the son of John Rosewell (1643-1692), Gentleman of Chatham, Kent and grandson of Reverend Walter Rosewell (c. 1610-1658), Presbyterian minister of Chatham. Benjamin married Elizabeth Wyborne on 11 September 1684 at Saint Katherine's by the Tower, London. Their children included: John (1689-1711); Jeremiah (1697-1741); Benjamin (d. 1727); William (d. 1726); Edward (1698-1727); Elizabeth (1700-1775); and Sarah (d. 1743).

Nothing has been found of Benjamin Rosewell’s career as a ship builder until 1696 when he would have been about 30 years old. It is presumed that he was apprenticed to one of the Medway ship yards between the age of 14 and 21.

The following is a summary of his known career:
1696 Assistant to Master Shipwright at Chatham Dockyard

1702 Appointed Master Shipwright at Harwich Dockyard
1702 Appointed Master Shipwright at Plymouth Dockyard

1705 Appointed Master Shipwright at Chatham Dockyard

1732 Appointed Master Shipwright at Sheerness Dockyard

Governor of Hawkins Hospital

Benjamin Rosewell is recorded as a Governor of Hawkins Hospital at Chatham in 1726 and 1734.

Benjamin Rosewell died and was buried at St Marys, Chatham on 4 December 1737, presumably in the family vault. His will, written on 8 September 1731, with codicil written 5 October 1731, was proved 10 January 1738. The executors were Jeremiah Rosewell and George Musgrave. His wife, Elizabeth, was buried at Chatham on 14 February 1730.

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