Hygiene on board a 16th century ship was poor. Within a short period of time the ship became very smelly. At the bottom of the ship in the hold, the ballast (gravel to give a ship stability) became really bad and full of ‘bilge water’ (foul sea water). It was usually rat infested. It often contained the vomit, urine and faeces of the crew, as the men often relieved themselves into it instead of over the side as they were supposed to do.