HMS Gloucester artefacts on display in Norwich Castle until mid-September
Items include navigation tools, wine bottles and the Ship's bell
Artefacts found in a royal shipwreck discovered near Great Yarmouth- now have their own exhibition in Norwich Castle, for the next 7 months or so.
Items including navigation tools, wine bottles and the Ship's bell were recovered by Lincoln and Julian Barnwell, from Aylsham- after they found the wreck in 2007.
The Gloucester sank in the North Sea in 1682 while carrying James, Duke of York, before he became King James II and VII. The wreck has been called Norfolk’s Mary Rose.
Exhibition visitors will be able to see artefacts recovered from the seabed after more than 325 years and learn the story behind the ill-fated journey,
"This important historic ship"
Prof Jowitt and Dr Redding, and co-curators Ruth Battersby Tooke and Dr Francesca Vanke, of the Norfolk Museums Service, said the artefacts speak movingly of the tragic events of 6 May 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.”
"Incredible adventure for us"
Lincoln and Julian Barnwell said:
“The discovery of the Gloucester has been an incredible adventure for 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.”
What happens now?
The exhibition, The Last Voyage of the Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck, 1682, now runs until September 10th.
It is hoped one day that a permanent exhibition might be created in Norfolk.
A new charity - The Gloucester 1682 Trust – is in the process of being formed to provide project support, fundraising and governance, chaired by Norfolk Deputy Lieutenant and former head of the British Army Lord Dannatt.