Scientists solve a mystery behind a 17th-century warship wreck found off the coast of Sussex | world News

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Scientists have solved the mystery of the identity of a 17th-century Dutch warship that crashed off the coast of England while carrying slabs of fine Italian marble.

While the wreck sank in 1672 and was discovered in 2019 off the coast of Sussex, it was until now known as the “Unidentified Wreck off Eastbourne”.

However, scientists have now identified the wreck of the Dutch warship Kleine Hollandia.

Photo: divers measuring wreck wood. Pic: Martin Davies

Built in 1656 and owned by the Admiralty of Rotterdam, the ship took part in all the major battles of the Second Anglo-Dutch War from 1665 to 1667.

Over the past year, specialists from Historic England, the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency and the Maritime Archeology Society have worked to establish the ship’s identity.

They used evidence gathered from the wreck, as well as archival research and tree ring analysis of wood samples.

Experts say the condition of the wreck is remarkable and can provide a wealth of information about how Dutch ships were built in the 17th century and the warship’s activities during its final voyage.

Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said the profile “provides a glimpse into the 17th century, giving us an opportunity to learn more about the maritime history of this period and to uncover treasures that have been under water for hundreds of years.”

Image: An eel emerges from a bronze gun found at the wreck site. Pic: James Clark

Upon its discovery, the wreck was considered so important that it was given the highest level of protection that same year, under the Wreck Protection Act 1973.

Much of the wooden hull, cannons, Italian marble tiles, and pieces of Italian pottery were among the materials on the sea floor.

The marble tiles came from the Apuan Alps quarries near Carrara in Italy.

The tiles were destined for the Netherlands and would have been used to build high-class homes.

The wreck was discovered by Eastbourne dive operator David Ronan and reported to Historic England. Mr. Ronan and Mark Betty Edwards are the licensees and investigate the wreck.

Further Read: Mysterious Object Found On Florida Beach Could Be Shipwreck Shipwreck Off Isle Of Wight Granted Protected Heritage Status

Photo: Bellarmine jug found at the bottom of the sea. Pic: James Clark

Mr Beattie-Edwards, chief executive of the Maritime Antiquities Society, said the ship’s cannons, pieces of marble tiles and pottery all indicated it was a Dutch ship returning from Italy.

“Now, after four years of investigation and research, we can confidently identify the ship.”

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