On Saturday 4th March, Anna Firth MP attended the ‘Discover the London’ event hosted by the Nautical Archaeological Society at the Beecroft Art Gallery.
‘The London’ was a 17th century British warship preparing to embark for battle in the Second Anglo-Dutch before it suddenly exploded. Sitting on the seabed near the end of the iconic Southend Pier, its wreckage now rests in the Thames Estuary.
However, the sunken ship is withering away due to the increasing magnitude of the water currents from the container ships that pass along the busy shipping channel, with divers only being able to see around 8 inches in front of them due to seabed disturbance.
Although limited excavations have taken place since its discovery, Anna is now calling for the historic ship to be raised in full alongside the Nautical Archaeology Society, which has been supporting the London Shipwreck Trust in its preservation work.
This would protect the ship from being completely lost to the destructive wave pressures from the cargo lane, whilst creating a cultural landmark which would attract visitors to the city and preserve an important part of British history.
Anna said,
“The London is a secret gem in Southend’s crown. There are unparalleled heritage and treasures hidden in the mud, yet they are continually at risk of been washed away by the tide and passing ships.”
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Protection of Wrecks Act and look forward to the coronation of King Charles III, now is the moment to secure this national treasure and build towards our deserved City of Culture title.”
Mark Beattie-Edward, CEO of the Nautical Archaeology Society, said,
“It was wonderful to be back in Southend for our fourth Discover the London fundraising and awareness raising event.”
“Selling out the event so quickly this year demonstrated just how much local public interest there is in the wreck and the amazing objects from it and the part it can play in supporting the city's 2050 ambition to be regions first choice coastal tourism destination.”
