The London 1665 is a 17th century flagship which played a significant role in British history. The ship formed part of the convoy sent in 1660 to collect Charles II from the Netherlands and restore him to the throne.
The London however sank in March 1665, following a gun powder explosion. Over 300 crew on board died, with only 24 survivors. The shipwreck now sits just off Southend’s famous pier. However, with the increasing amounts of shipping vessels, causing stronger currents, the ship is eroding away at a quicker rate.
Anna Firth, MP for Southend West has been working with the Nautical Archaeology Society and the Save The London organisation to ensure this incredible cultural asset is kept intact and protected. She has attended several events about the historic flagship, and is very supportive of plans to bring the London back to the surface, so it can be restored and appreciated by all on display.
Anna called for a debate in Parliament on how to better protect and enhance rich underwater cultural heritage as it has the power to revitalise and regenerate costal towns and cities, creating thousands of new jobs and contribute millions to the economy.
Anna said in the House of Commons chamber,
“As a global maritime power, the UK has a rich and exceptional Underwater Cultural Heritage including the internationally significant 17th century flagship, “The London” which lies just off Southend’s famous pier and is mentioned in Pepys’s diaries.”
“This hidden heritage potentially has the power to revitalise and regenerate our coastal towns and cities, creating thousands of new jobs and contributing millions to the economy.”
“So could we have a debate please in Government time on how to better protect and enhance our rich underwater cultural heritage?”
Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House said,
“Well, I thank the honourable lady. She is speaking to a Portsmouth member of parliament. Portsmouth, obviously, being the home to the Mary Rose Museum. And so she is preaching to the choir. This is incredibly important and can be also a very important source of economic regeneration to areas. And I would be very interested to hear about the Honourable Lady's plans in that respect for the London.”
“Many of these wreck sites are also clearly protected. Many of them are grave sites as well. Raising them is not necessarily the right thing to do, but I would certainly make sure that the minister has heard her ambitions in this area. And of course the next DCMS questions are on the 27th of April.”
