In a remarkable discovery, a bronze cannon from one of England’s most significant protected shipwrecks has been revealed on the seabed of the Thames Estuary after nearly 360 years. The cannon, belonging to the 17th-century warship the London, was uncovered by chance during a dive led by Steve Ellis, a licensed diver for Historic England.
Key Facts
- Bronze cannon from 17th century protected shipwreck the London revealed on the seabed after 360 years of being buried in silt and clay in the Thames Estuary
- Discovery of the exceptionally well-preserved cannon is made by one of Historic England’s licensed divers Steve Ellis, who has been diving this nationally important wreck site for the past 14 years.
- The London played a pivotal role in British history and is linked to King Charles II and the English Restoration.
- To deter thieves, the cannon is being included in Historic England’s forensic marking program, working with MSDS Marine and partners
The London, built at Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent between 1654 and 1656, holds a unique place in British history. The ship was part of a convoy sent to the Netherlands in 1660 to bring Charles II back to England, playing a crucial role in the restoration of the monarchy following the tumultuous period of the English Civil War and the First Anglo-Dutch War.
Ellis, who has been exploring the London wreck for 14 years, believes that a rare combination of ideal underwater conditions led to the cannon’s exposure. The Thames Estuary is notorious for its poor visibility, often less than half a meter, making this discovery even more extraordinary.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, expressed excitement about the find: “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.”
The newly discovered cannon is believed to be a Commonwealth medium-sized 8’x6″ Demi-cannon, cast by George Browne in 1656-1657. It was part of a set made specifically for the London and would have been placed on the ship’s lower gun deck. At the time of its sinking, the London was one of only four English naval ships to boast a full complement of 76 bronze cannons.
To protect this valuable artifact from potential theft, Historic England is including the cannon in its forensic marking program. This initiative uses cutting-edge underwater protective marking technology to deter thieves and is part of the organization’s broader ‘Heritage Watch’ program.
Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime at Historic England, emphasized the importance of this protection: “Protective marking of this cannon will act as a clear deterrent to those looking to unlawfully lift and remove historic material from Protected Wreck Sites.”
The London wreck, which lies in two parts off Southend Pier in Essex after an explosion in 1665, is one of four protected shipwrecks on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. This recent discovery underscores the site’s archaeological significance and the ongoing efforts to preserve and study England’s underwater heritage.
As excavation and research continue, the newly uncovered cannon promises to shed more light on naval warfare in the 17th century and the complex history of the London itself. For now, it serves as a tangible link to a pivotal era in English history, preserved for centuries beneath the waves of the Thames Estuary.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.