What was sand supplied for in eighteenth century?

[majm]

I am wondering about this occupational interest and what it would have been used for:


Henry Johns, Hamoaze Dock. His late father, Henry Johns, was contracted with Edward Hutchins to supply fresh and salt water sand. Asks to be allowed to complete the contract in his own name and with Mr Hutchins.

Record from 15 June 1731 at The National Archives, Kew:
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C13411434

Any thoughts

As your link leads back to Admiralty Records, perhaps you could consider making email enquiry re sand needs of the Admiralty in the 1730s 

http://www.rmg.co.uk/researchers/library/research-guides/the-royal-navy/research-guide-b6-the-royal-navy-administrative-records

Cheers,  JM

[youngtug]

Maybe making moulds for casting cannon and cannonballs, plus other cast metal  implements etc.

[Devon Maid]

My daughter lives in Portsmouth, her house dates circa 1900, when doing any diy that involves the walls it has been found that an awful lot of pebbles and beach type materials are mixed in.

[Nova67]

Thank you to everyone for replies so far. Ballast and glass making I had considered.  Holystone I did not know of.
I will think on...
It was the fresh and salt water that was interesting too.

[Nova67]

Maybe making moulds for casting cannon and cannonballs, plus other cast metal  implements etc.

That's an interesting suggestion too! Thanks.

Seems to definitely be a contract with the navy.  Now I have looked properly at it again.

[youngtug]

Sand could, and was, used as ballast in ships but only if no other materials were available due to several problems with its use. Especially with a warship I think it would be only used as a last resort.

[youngtug]

 
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01exo/


 Mmm, the start is on the previous page, you need to scroll up.
 It also looks like the Admiralty used pig iron [if you scroll down.]

[Viktoria]

 I wonder if the sand was from fresh water ie river sand,and from  salt water ie sea sand.
Can`t think of a use for salty sand, unless sodium glass was made from this.
Sea sand, being salty would have not been used for construction I don`t think  as it would attract moisture into the fabric of the building.
Some was perhaps used to soak up gore on the decks during engagements but not vast quantities.
Oooer!On that grisly note, Goodnight. Viktoria.                             

[jaybelnz]

Would the sea sand be used in the salt grit bins dotted around neighbourhoods in frost and snow prone areas.  I don't really know much about those except for seeing them in the UK when touring!
We don't have them in the area of NZ where I live, but they may use them  in the colder regions!

Jeanne