Recent underwater exploration off the coast of Kent, England, has brought to light the well-preserved remains of the 1703 shipwreck known as ‘The Northumberland.’ This historic wreck, a Stuart-era warship that sank during the Great Storm of 1703, was documented in stunning detail by a team of researchers from Historic England, along with British marine contractor MSDS Marine and licensee Dan Pascoe. The site, designated a Protected Wreck Site in 1981, has seen its first full-scale survey in recent years, revealing a remarkable level of preservation.
The Northumberland was built in 1679 and was lost to the sea during a severe storm that ravaged the region in 1703. As part of the survey, divers uncovered an extensive hull structure, exposed deck planks, and the ship’s wooden frame, which has been described as ‘much more than previously thought.’ Among the significant finds were multiple wooden chests, some of which still contained musketballs, and a sealed chest with unknown contents. The site also yielded seven iron cannons, copper cauldrons, and rope.
While the sand cover surrounding the wreck has contributed to its preservation, experts caution that the same shifting sands could also pose a threat. Hefin Meara, a maritime archaeologist at Historic England, explained that the sands of the Goodwin Sands are ‘highly dynamic,’ meaning that the cover over the wreck is constantly changing. Once the sand retreats, the wreck is at risk of rapid deterioration due to biological and physical processes.
Researchers are currently focusing on surveying the site rather than removing artifacts, as any disturbance could jeopardize the integrity of the wreck. Alison James of MSDS Marine emphasized the importance of the site in understanding the English Navy and ships of the period, noting that ‘The Northumberland’ has the potential to be one of the best-preserved wooden warships in the UK.
In recent years, several other significant shipwrecks have been discovered in the UK. In February 2024, a teenager found an American Revolution warship on a Scottish beach after a storm, and a former military pilot recently identified a 19th-century shipwreck in the English Channel. These discoveries continue to highlight the rich maritime history of the region and the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.