A sensational archaeological find off the English coast was kept secret for years

But nobody knew where exactly, it remained missing for centuries – until researchers found it. However, the discovery has only just become known, as the archaeological sensation was kept secret for ten years. The reasons for this and the exciting history of the “Gloucester”.

The “HMS Gloucester” was a ship with a long history. It was built in 1652 for the British Navy and took part in numerous wars, such as the war between Spain and England from 1654 to 1660. Almost 20 years later, in May 1682, the future King James II wanted to sail from Portsmouth to Edinburgh with his court . At the start of their journey, they had no idea that at the end of this journey the “Gloucester” would only be a wreck and more than 100 people would die.

Because the ship ran aground on a sandbank off the coast of Norfolk. According to the trade magazine “Scinexx”, the reason was a dispute between James Stuart and the captain. We discussed which course was the right one. In just one hour, the ship sank completely under the sea, taking more than 120 sailors and passengers with it. According to the Guardian, this was also due to the fact that the king stayed on board to the end and the other passengers were not allowed to leave the sinking ship before him. Even the king barely survived. He never took responsibility for the sinking. Instead, he had the captain court-martialed and arrested. But despite this historical explosiveness, it was not known until a few years ago exactly where the wreck of the “Gloucester” was. Until 2007 two divers discovered something on the seabed.

Five years later, in 2012, it turned out that it was actually the famous wreck when the ship’s bell found on the seabed could be assigned to the “Gloucester”. But it took another ten years before the public heard about the spectacular find.

Researchers kept the Gloucester find a secret for years

Only 340 years after the sinking of the “Gloucester” were the details of the shipwreck lying in international waters published. Supposedly, so it is said, to protect the historical relics lying within. Because the divers found numerous artefacts from the 17th century in the wreck. In addition to the ship’s bell and cannons, ship’s equipment, everyday objects, personal items, clothing and even 340-year-old wine bottles, some still closed, were also recovered from the wreck

Also because of these artifacts, the discovery of the wreck could be the “most significant historical discovery in seafaring since 1982,” according to Professor Claire Jowitt of the University of East Anglia. Of course, you don’t want to withhold that from visitors. An exhibition at the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is planned for spring 2023. Findings from the wreck will be shown there and reports will be given on ongoing research.