Rare Discovery at the National Archives
Archivists at the National Archives in the United Kingdom made a remarkable find when they opened parcels from the Anne-Marie cargo ship, seized by the British Navy during the Second Battle of Copenhagen. Amongst the items uncovered were fabric samples, stockings, silver coins, and a handmade red sweater that appeared remarkably well-preserved despite its two centuries in obscurity.
A Remarkable Unveiling
The senior conservation manager, Sarah Noble, carefully handled the contents, including a stash of 18 silver coins dating back to the reign of Frederick III of Denmark. However, it was the unique sweater that stood out the most. Dr. Amanda Bevan of the National Archives described it as a rare example of a parcel surviving in the Prize Papers, typically filled with letters consigned to ships for delivery by sea. The sweater, hand-knit by a carpenter named Niels C. Winther from the Faroe Islands, came with a letter to the fiancé of Mr. P Ladsen in Copenhagen, expressing gratitude and well wishes.
Historical Context
The cargo ship, en route from the Faroe Islands through Denmark, was intercepted by the HMS Defence in 1807 off the coast of Norway. The ship’s mailbox and cargo were confiscated, leading to the preservation of these unique historical artifacts. The National Archives plans to digitize the letters and contents of the parcels for further study and preservation.
Continuing Discoveries
This unveiling adds to a series of recent discoveries from shipwrecks, such as the British HMS Erebus wreck off the coast of Canada, where divers found pistols, coins, and a preserved thermometer. The historical significance of these findings provides valuable insights into the maritime history of the era.