Treasure hunter threat to HMS Agamemnon, last surviving wreck of Buckler's Hard shipwrights
ARCHAEOLOGISTS are fighting to preserve the only surviving wreck of a vessel built at the famous Buckler's Hard shipwrights from decay and treasure hunters.
The conservation efforts have been highlighted by Mary Montagu-Scott, director at what is now one of the New Forest's best known tourist attractions, near Beaulieu.
Buckler's Hard was where Admiral Nelson's favourite ship, HMS Agamemnon, was constructed in 1781 – but which now lies on the seabed off the coast of Uruguay where it was wrecked in 1809.
Known as "Eggs and Bacon" by her crew, the remains were discovered in 1993 but are facing increasing risks of erosion, treasure hunters and ship worm decay.
Among the threats are invasive whelks which have eaten the native mussels which covered the ship, partially protecting it for over 200 years.
A team of maritime archaeologists, led by Prof. Jon Adams at the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton, has joined forces with experts from Uruguay to apply for permission to survey the wreck to see how to preserve her.
To highlight the plight of the Royal Navy warship's remains, a new exhibition has been launched at Buckler’s Hard, which was opened by Uruguay ambassador César Rodriguez Zavalla.
Mrs Montagu-Scott said: “I have always dreamt of seeing this wreck, as HMS Agamemnon is the only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard in the world.
“I have created this exhibition at Buckler’s Hard to promote and tell the story of how we will work jointly across nations to preserve the remains for future generations.
"The story is one that can bring our nations together, share the history, science and knowledge, and develop and celebrate our friendship through maritime archaeology.”
She added: “This project has the full support of the British Embassy in Montevideo and we are delighted that they sponsored our exhibition film to promote the project and the sharing of this important Royal Navy cultural heritage.
“Everyone is volunteering their time to the project and if permission is given to carry out the survey, funding will have to be raised to pay the costs of the project such as equipment and travel to Uruguay.”
HMS Agamemnon was built at Buckler’s Hard from 2,000 oaks and launched there in 1781. She fought in the Battle of Trafalgar and served the Royal Navy for nearly 30 years, before sinking without trace off the coast of Uruguay.
Partners in the preservation project include UNESCO, OCEANIDS in Uruguay, the National Museum of the Royal Navy as well as the Maritime Archaeology Trust in Southampton and Department of Archaeology at Bournemouth University.
The exhibition, HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend, can be seen for free in the Shipwrights Workshop, including a film and model of the 64-gun ship.
For details see www.bucklershard.co.uk or call 01590 616203.