Share this story!

Leigh On Sea News: Race Against Time – AN event at Southend Museums this March is making a call for action, as an historic warship sunken in the Thames Estuary rapidly deteriorates.
Race Against Time - AN event at Southend Museums this March is making a call for action, as an historic warship sunken in the Thames Estuary rapidly deteriorates.
AN event at Southend Museums this March is making a call for action, as an historic warship sunken in the Thames Estuary rapidly deteriorates.
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, was destroyed near Southend Pier on March 7th 1665.
That evening, in a report recorded by the famous diarist Samuel Pepys, the ship mysteriously exploded, resulting in the loss of all 300 souls on board.
Almost exactly 360 years to the day, the Nautical Archaeological Society are hosting a “Discover the London” day on March 9th, where they will speak about the Save The London campaign. During the event, visitors will be able to meet the volunteer dive team, and even see some of the artefacts from the wreck.
Saving the ship is a “race against time” according to the Chief executive of the society, Mark Beattie-Edwards, due to the wreck’s proximity to Estuary’s shipping channel.
A local diving team licensed to explore the wreck have undertaken diving expeditions, which have revealed priceless treasures, such as the bronze cannons now on display at Southend Museum.
However, the London Gateway expansion means larger ships are coming more frequently, causing further erosion to the structure: “The level of erosion is getting worse. It won’t get better when we can’t say how long the wreck will last,” said Mr Beattie-Edwards.
His ambitious aim is ultimately to “Raise the London” from the Estuary mud, protecting it from being lost to the destructive wave pressures from the cargo lane, whilst creating a cultural landmark that would attract visitors to the city and preserve an important part of British history.
“We want to save the London, and if there is public demand for that, it will make it easier to gain the support from organisations and heritage societies, as well as the government,” he said.
Many people in the world of archaeology have also put their name to this effort, including Phil Harding of Time Team fame, who commented: “It is eroding at a vast rate of knots.
“If you live in Southend, it really is your history.”
Mr Beattie-Edwards added: “It is a race against time. We need support through the demands of the community and we hope Southend can come through.”
All proceeds from the event, held at The Beecroft Gallery, from 10.30 to 4pm, on Sunday, March 9th will go towards the campaign.
Tickets are £5, available at: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/event/discover-the-london/
REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON
Picture: The diving team including Steve and Carol Ellis explore the London (Image: Mark Beattie-Edwards).
Read more.
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Contact us. Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
Twitter: @leighonsea_news