24/10/2008

Action Taken To Protect HMS London Wreck

The remains of an historic ship are to be protected under plans announced by the Minister of Culture, Barbara Follett.

The Minister for Culture has taken action to protect the wreck of HMS London, which sunk in the Thames Estuary in 1665.

Barbara Follett announced her decision to 'designate' the remains under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 follows a recommendation from English heritage. The Order will protect the remains of the ship - located in two sites - from interference and intrusive activities.

The Culture Minister said: "These rare and well-preserved remains provide a unique insight into one of the most significant periods in England's history - a time when British naval power was emerging on the European stage.

"I am delighted that we can extend the proper protection to this shipwreck."

HMS London was a three-deck Second Rate warship built in Chatham in 1654. She is known to have participated in the First Dutch War (1652 - 54) and later formed part of an English Squadron sent to collect Charles II from the Netherlands and restore him to his throne in an effort to end the anarchy which followed the death of Cromwell in 1658.

The London blew-up on passage from Chatham in 1665 with the loss of over 300 lives, an event recorded by Samuel Pepys in his diary entry for March 8, 1665.

(JM)

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