Royal shipwreck artefacts from 'Norfolk's Mary Rose' revealed ahead of new exhibition
We've been given a sneak-peek at some of the newly revealed treasures of the HMS Gloucester - which sank off the coast of Great Yarmouth
More details have been revealed about the items found amid the wreckage of a 17th century ship discovered off the coast of East Anglia, which has been dubbed 'Norfolk's Mary Rose'.
The HMS Gloucester ran aground off the coast of Yarmouth in 1682 which carrying carrying James, Duke of York, before he became King James II and VII.
It was rediscovered by Norfolk brothers Lincoln and Julian Barnwell, and their friend and ex Royal Navy submariner James Little in 2007.
However their discovery was kept secret until last year to prevent treasure hunters stealing from the wreck.
Now, more details have been revealed about an exhibition called 'The Last Voyage of the Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck', which is due to open at Norwich Castle Museum on February 25.
A urine flask possibly used by a king and a preserved leather pouch embossed with crown symbols will both be on display, along with a trumpet mouthpiece.
Prof Jowitt and Dr Redding, and co-curators Ruth Battersby Tooke and Dr Francesca Vanke, of the Norfolk Museums Service, said the artefacts tell us more about the day the ship sank - May 6 1682.
“Artefacts rescued from the seabed are displayed for the first time, revealing some of the secrets that this important historic ship has to offer and providing unique insights into the lives and experiences of those onboard.
“It has been a privilege to work with Julian and Lincoln Barnwell and James Little to tell their remarkable story of the wreck’s discovery in 2007.”
Lincoln and Julian Barnwell said: “The discovery of the Gloucester has been an incredible adventure for all three of us, and we feel very honoured that this important part of history is being told in such a professional and detailed manner.
“The Norfolk Museums Service and UEA have done real justice to the Gloucester and all the people on board, some of whom sadly lost their lives in the tragedy.
“We are confident that anyone who visits the exhibition will have a better understanding of the events and what happened on the ill-fated day May 6, 1682.”
The Last Voyage of the Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck, runs from February 25 - Sunday September 10 at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery.