Salvaged items from The London shipwreck featured on BBC Two’s “Digging for Britain”. An exhibition will be held at Southend Central Museum starting May 31, 2025, showcasing previously unseen artefacts including a rare gun carriage, highlighting the wreck’s historical significance and conservation efforts.
Salvaged artefacts from the 17th-century London shipwreck were highlighted on the BBC Two show, “Digging for Britain.” These treasures will eventually be part of an expansive exhibition at Southend Central Museum, featuring many never-before-seen items. The London wreck, destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1665, has been the focus of significant archaeological work since its rediscovery in 2005. Senior curator Vittorio Ricchetti shared insights on selecting delicate pieces that narrate engaging stories and the importance of The London in British maritime history. The anticipated exhibition opens on May 31, 2025, showcasing a rare 17th-century gun carriage and other artefacts recovered from the wreck.
The London shipwreck is a significant historical site, dating back to 1665 when it was part of a convoy to restore Charles II to the throne. Its destruction due to a gunpowder explosion left behind a treasure trove of artefacts, which were only rediscovered in 2005 during port development work. The Southend Museums team has curated a collection of over 1,000 items, with plans for the largest display of these artefacts later this year, exploring both historical context and modern conservation efforts.
The showcasing of The London shipwreck artefacts on “Digging for Britain” not only raises public interest in the exhibition but also highlights the historical significance of the site. The upcoming exhibition at Southend Central Museum promises to provide deeper insights into 17th-century maritime life and the conservation of archaeological finds. Visitors can anticipate viewing incredibly rare artefacts as well as learning about the ongoing work to preserve this important part of British history.
Original Source: www.gazette-news.co.uk