A treasure trove of artefacts is being recovered from a late 16th Century shipwreck off the coast of Alderney.
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Experts describe this as one of the most important maritime discoveries since the Mary Rose. The raised haul includes a 2m-long (7ft) cannon. The wreck, discovered 30 years ago, is situated off the coast of Alderney.
The boat is thought to have sunk in 1592, possibly after an encounter with one of the area's many reefs. Just four years earlier, Elizabeth's navy had defeated the Spanish Armada.
It is thought that this ship was carrying our first standardised, co-ordinated weapons system. The guns are all the same type, the same materials, the same technology and the same calibre. We have here an example of a different type of navy - a more professional one. Here are the beginnings of broadside naval warfare
The cannon is in perfect condition, though needs cleaning up. It has an intact hand grenade; part of its carriage system is in place; and there is the barrel of a gun or a sword on one side.
The dive is being organised by the Alderney Maritime Trust, an entirely volunteer organisation from which nobody receives financial benefit. The broad purpose of the Trust is:
"To find, salvage and preserve ships of historic or naval
importance or interest which have been wrecked or lost in Alderney's
waters, and the remains, cargoes and artefacts of such ships, so that
they may be conserved, studied and displayed for the benefit and education
of the inhabitants of the Island and elsewhere." (www.alderneywreck.com)
