Alfred (East Indiaman)

The Alfred was an East Indiaman, a type of large merchant ship chartered to the British East India Company (EIC) during the 17th through the 19th centuries. These ships played a crucial role in trade between Britain and the East, primarily India and China, carrying goods such as textiles, spices, tea, and opium.

Information about specific East Indiamen, such as the Alfred, can be patchy. Records were not always consistently maintained, and shipwrecks or simple loss of historical documentation has resulted in incomplete information about many voyages. To properly ascertain information about a specific ship of this name, resources such as Lloyd's Register, the British Library, and the National Maritime Museum should be consulted. These resources may provide details regarding the ship's build date, tonnage, captains, voyages, and any notable events associated with its service.

East Indiamen like the Alfred were often armed, though primarily for defense against pirates or privateers rather than for engaging in naval combat. They were also vital in transporting personnel, including company employees, soldiers, and passengers, to and from the East. The journey was lengthy and often dangerous, and the ships themselves represented a significant investment for the East India Company. Successfully completing multiple voyages could prove highly profitable.