Mysterious Shipwreck Identified As 17th Century Warship That Sunk After ‘Fierce Battle’

A mystery surrounding a shipwreck that was discovered in 2019 has been solved. The vessel was discovered to be a Dutch warship by researchers who examined the area off the coast south of England. “all major battles” Historic England: The second Anglo-Dutch War, Announcement Friday.

The Klein Hollandia was constructed in 1656. It is owned by the Admiralty of Rotterdam. This Admiralty is one of five in the Dutch Republic. Initially deemed an anomaly, after a hydrographic survey was conducted in 2015 on the site. A diver confirmed that it was a shipwreck four-years later. Since then, it was known as the “Unknown Wreck Off Eastbourne,” Until now. This find was done by Historic England, the NauticalArchaeology Society, and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.

“From our very first dive on the wreck, back in April 2019, we have been fascinated by the range of material on the seabed,” Mark Beattie Edwards is the CEO of Nautical Archaeology Society. . “The impressive amount of wooden hull structure, the ship’s cannons, the beautifully cut marble tiles, as well as the pottery finds, all point towards this being a Dutch ship from the late 17th century coming back from Italy. Now, after four years of investigation and research, we can confidently identify the vessel.”

Based on the perceived importance of the ship, the dive site received special protections under the United Kingdom’s Protection of Wrecks Act of 1973. According to Historic England, a large part of the wood hull, which was 103 feet deep, was found alongside cannons, pottery, and tiles made from Italian marble. According to Historic England, the group believes that marble tiles were used in place of wood hulls. “high-status” Homes in the Netherlands

“The identification of the ‘Klein Hollandia’ offers a glimpse back into the seventeenth century, giving us a chance to learn more about the maritime history of this period and to uncover treasures which have been underwater for hundreds of years,” Lord Stephen Parkinson, U.K. Minister of Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, spoke out about the find.

It was an important asset during the second Anglo–Dutch war (1665-1667). The ship held firm through the whole of the war but it was destroyed by the Dutch in March 1672. This occurred just before the third Anglo–Dutch conflict. Historic England asserts that the sinking the Klein Hollandia was a contributing factor to the start and continuation of the third war. This began in the same month as the sinking, and lasted until 1674.

It was part of a squadron that was escorting a flotilla from the Mediterranean to The Netherlands. It reached the English Channel and was confronted by an unexpected attack by an English squadron. “fierce battle,” Historic England. The commandant of the ship was killed and the English were able board the ship and take control. After taking on the task, “severe damage,” the ship’s life came to an end, sinking with both English and Dutch sailors on board, researchers say.

The ship was identified by researchers using tree ring analysis of samples of wood. Discovered Analyzing the marble with microscopes revealed that it is from the Apuan Alps of Italy. This area is reportedly rich in mineral composition. These are the best boasts Some of the best marble in the country.

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