The wreck of HMS Gloucester has been found; a discovery that is being described as the most significant since the Mary Rose was found.SHOW FULLSCREENThe wreck of HMS Gloucester has been discovered. Photo credit Norfolk Historic ShipwrecksThe ship, carrying the Duke of York – the future King of England, James Stuart – sank in May 1682 with the loss of an estimated 130 to 250 people who were also onboard – due to protocol, the crew were unable to abandon the ship before royalty.She was originally discovered around 30 miles off Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth coast in 2007 by brothers Julian and Lincoln Barnwell who had to keep their find secret in order to preserve the site from looters.Many artifacts have already been discovered including the ship’s bell which was used to identify the vessel as well as wine bottles and pipes still full of tobacco.The vessel itself is said to be split down the keel with its remains submerged in sand which has complicated the excavation.Researchers are hoping the find will shed light on what was a troubled period in British history.The ship had set sail from Portsmouth, picking up the Duke of York in Margate. The vessel was on its way to Edinburgh to collect the Duke’s wife so the family could return to England.The pilot was blamed for the grounding on Norfolk’s sandbanks.

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