Shipwreck Canon Discovered

A LOCAL diver has discovered a bronze canon lying in the silt of a 17th-century shipwreck, just east of Southend Pier.

 Steve Ellis, one of Historic England’s licensed divers, has regularly explored The HMS London, which was part of a convoy sent in 1660 to collect Charles II from the Netherlands and restore him to the throne.

 However, tragedy struck when the 300-strong ship exploded in the estuary, killing all onboard. 

 The canon was found in mud and silt near the wreck site, which is near the Thames shipping channel.

 Mr Ellis described the condition under which it was found as “ideal”, in water that usually has visibility as little as 1.6 foot.

 Mr Ellis added: “It was so exciting to see the cannon emerge from the seabed after many years of diving the site.

 “This discovery sheds new light on my theories about how the ship may have exploded and how it came to lie in two parts on the seabed.”

 The cannon is believed to be a Commonwealth medium-sized 8ft by 6in Demi-cannon, cast by George Browne around 1656 to 1657.

 It is part of a set made for the HMS London which was placed on the lower gun deck of the ship.

 Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, added: “This amazing discovery will help us to better understand the types of cannons on board the London when it blew up in 1665.

 “They weren’t all the same as some were captured from enemy ships, so there is a complex story to unravel here.”

 Mr Browne praised Mr Ellis and the team that dive the site: “Our licensed divers play a huge part in investigating and monitoring our Protected Wrecks at sea, ensuring they are there for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

Picture: The canon visible in the murky water. Pic Steve Ellis

 

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