Last-minute success to save the country’s most important collection of shipwreck artefacts for the nation

Issued 4/11/24

On the eve of an auction of what is described as the country’s most important collection of artefacts from shipwrecks in the UK, The Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) is delighted to have finalised a deal with Cornwall’s Charlestown Shipwreck Museum to save its Protected Wreck collection for the Nation.

Historic England identified the collection as the largest and most important collection of artefacts from shipwrecks in the UK and it was at risk of being dispersed following the announcement that the museum and its collection was for sale.

Among many hundreds of items, it includes material from 12 Designated Protected Wrecks which have the same status as the Mary Rose. Artefacts saved include those retrieved from multiple Royal Navy warships including HMS Ramillies, HMS Association and English and Dutch East India Company wrecks.

The collection was due to be auctioned from 6th November as part of a wider sale, which will continue.

MAST is now planning local and national opportunities with museums around the country, including support from The National Museum of the Royal Navy and Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, to share and learn from this important resource that not only tells the story of the development of maritime archaeology in the UK but also the history and archaeology of the Royal Navy and the development of international trade.

Jessica Berry, CEO of The Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) said:

“I’m delighted and relieved in equal measure that MAST has been able to save this priceless collection that can tell countless stories of the history and archaeology of the Royal Navy and the development of global trade through the centuries. MAST has now taken the collection out of private ownership so its risk of being dispersed again has now gone forever”

Sir Tim Smit, KBE, said, “We, at the Shipwreck & Treasure Museum, are delighted that MAST is buying the artefacts from what are now protected wrecks saving a unique collection for the Nation. It is especially pleasing as MAST is made up of members who themselves have dedicated so much of their lives to exploring our underwater heritage.”