Historic Cannon From the 'London' Wreck Revealed After 360 Years Beneath the Waves

An extraordinary discovery has been made in the Thames Estuary: a remarkably well-preserved bronze cannon from the 17th-century warship London has emerged after spending nearly 360 years buried in thick silt and clay. The find, made by a licensed diver from Historic England, offers new insights into one of England’s most significant shipwrecks. 

A Warship of Historical Importance 

The London was a warship of considerable historical importance, built between 1654 and 1656 at Chatham Historic Dockyard during a period of significant political upheaval in England. This was a time marked by the aftermath of the English Civil War (1642-1648) and the conclusion of the First Anglo-Dutch War (1652-1654). The London played a pivotal role in British history, forming part of the convoy that brought Charles II back from exile in the Netherlands in 1660, restoring him to the throne. 

Tragically, the London met a catastrophic end in 1665 when it exploded due to a gunpowder accident, sinking in the Thames Estuary near Southend Pier. The wreck, which lies in two parts on the seabed, has been a site of archaeological interest for many years. The newly discovered cannon is one of the most significant finds from the wreck, offering a rare glimpse into the naval firepower of the era, reports Historic England.

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The Remarkable Discovery and Its Significance 

The cannon was discovered by Steve Ellis, a licensed diver who has been exploring the London wreck site for 14 years. Ellis attributes the find to a combination of ideal underwater conditions, which allowed the cannon to become partially exposed after centuries of being buried. Visibility in the Thames Estuary is notoriously poor, often less than half a meter, making such discoveries both rare and challenging. 

The cannon is believed to be a medium-sized demi-cannon, cast by George Browne between 1656 and 1657. This type of cannon, measuring approximately 8 feet by 6 inches (2.44 meters by 15 centimeters), was a critical component of the London's armament. Larger than a culverin but smaller than a standard 42-pounder cannon, the demi-cannon was placed on the lower gun deck, one of the most strategic positions on the ship. 

The discovery of this cannon is particularly significant because it adds to our understanding of the London's armament. At the time of its sinking, the London was one of only four English naval ships equipped with a full complement of 76 bronze cannons. These cannons were not standardized; instead, they were a mix of captured enemy weapons and pieces from decommissioned ships. This diversity reflects the challenges of arming a naval fleet during a time when large cannons were both expensive and in short supply. 

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Part of the cannon from The 'London' Wreck, which blew up in 1665 in the Thames Estuary off Southend Pier. (© Steven Ellis/Historic England) 

Challenges and Preservation Efforts 

Working on the London wreck site presents numerous challenges due to its location in a highly tidal environment near a busy shipping lane. Large cargo vessels regularly pass by, adding to the difficulty of conducting underwater explorations. Despite these challenges, the discovery of the cannon sheds new light on the circumstances of the ship’s explosion and how it came to rest in two parts on the seabed. 

This find also underscores the importance of licensed divers in monitoring and preserving England’s underwater heritage. Historic England, which grants licenses for such explorations, plays a crucial role in protecting these sites. Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, emphasized the value of these discoveries for understanding England’s maritime history.