THIS fascinating gallery depicts the recovery of artefacts from a shipwreck that occurred almost 300 years ago. The University of East Anglia and the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, both in the United Kingdom, will display them in a new exhibition titled “The Last Voyage of the Gloucester.”
1682 painting of the wreck by Johan Danckerts.
Royal Museums Greenwich/Wikimedia Commons
Future King James II of England and Ireland, also known as King James VII of Scotland, was aboard the battleship HMS Gloucester when it sailed from Portsmouth in 1682 on its way to Edinburgh. The ship ran aground on a sandbar off the coast of Norfolk not long into its journey. However, about 250 of the passengers and crew members didn’t make it.
A 3D representation of the wreck site is shown in this photogrammetry image from the Maritime Archaeology Trust.
Norfolk Historic Shipwrecks Ltd
After years of searching by scuba divers Julian and Lincoln Barnwell, in 2007 they finally located the remarkably preserved shipwreck. However, the team waited until the previous year to announce their discovery so that it might be safeguarded.
The ship’s lifting tools on the seabed
A 3D representation of the wreck site is shown in the main picture in a photogrammetry image from the Maritime Archaeology Trust.
The glasses and their case are seen above, while two salt-glazed jugs, commonly called Bellarmine bottles, and a “Sun in Splendour” bottle are shown below. All of them were located there.
Two salt-glazed jugs, known as Bellarmine bottles, left; and a “Sun in Splendour” right
Norfolk Historic Shipwrecks
Pictured below the 65-kilogram bronze bell of HMS Gloucester.
The exhibition is at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery until 10 September.
FAQs
1. When did the shipwreck of HMS Gloucester occur?
The shipwreck of HMS Gloucester occurred in 1682 off the coast of Norfolk during its journey from Portsmouth to Edinburgh.
2. Who discovered the remarkably preserved shipwreck of HMS Gloucester?
Scuba divers Julian and Lincoln Barnwell discovered the shipwreck after years of searching and announced their discovery in 2007.
3. Where can artefacts from HMS Gloucester be seen?
Artefacts from HMS Gloucester are on display in the exhibition “The Last Voyage of the Gloucester” at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery until 10 September.
4. What are some of the artefacts recovered from the shipwreck?
Artefacts recovered from the shipwreck include glasses and their case, salt-glazed jugs (Bellarmine bottles), and a 65-kilogram bronze bell of HMS Gloucester.
5. How has 3D representation aided in the study of the wreck site?
Photogrammetry images from the Maritime Archaeology Trust offer a 3D representation of the wreck site, aiding in the study and preservation of the ship’s remains.
