200 years ago , most poor children ‘had to start work when they were about 12. Many boys joined the navy. They didn’t have to fight but they had to work very hard, as servants for the adult sailors. They had to climb ropes and carry gunpowder for the sailors: that’s why they got the name ‘powder mokeys’. Life was very hard and they weren’t allowed to leave the navy even if they wanted to. They often had to eat disgusting food but they were allowed to drink plenty of rum and beer. When they were eighteen, they were allowed to become real sailors, but only if they already had six years’ experience at sea! Many stayed in the navy because it was a well-paid job in those days.