Divers have discovered a legendary shipwreck from the 17th century off the English North Sea coast. As the University of East Anglia announced Friday, the royal warship Gloucester, which sank in 1682, also carried the future King James II in its accident, which killed hundreds.
The divers, a private group led by brothers Julian and Lincoln Barnwell, had found the wreck as early as 2007 after four years of searching the bottom of the sea off the town of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. The find of the wreck, which lies in international waters, was initially kept secret to protect it. It also took several years to identify the well-preserved remains as the wreck of the Gloucester.
The broken hull of the ship, half sunken in the seabed, several cannons as well as various ships, cutlery and many other objects were found (photo below). For example, unopened wine bottles, but also a few glasses that are still in their wooden box.
Researchers speak of ‘archaeological sensation’
According to experts, the find is an archaeological sensation. “The discovery promises to fundamentally change our understanding of social, maritime and political history,” said Professor Claire Jowitt of the University of East Anglia. It is the most significant find in Britain since the disbanding of the ship “Mary Rose” by Tudor King Henry VIII in 1982.
The finds from the Gloucester will be on display in an exhibition at the Norwich Castle Museum from next spring. The ship’s bell, which ultimately determined the identification of the Gloucester, is also on display.
Later king narrowly escaped death
The Gloucester ran aground on a sandbank in 1682 after a dispute over her course and sank within a short time. Several hundred people were killed. The future King James II narrowly escaped death.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
