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In the summer of 1978, members of the Glaslyn
Aqua Club accidentally came across two cannons laying on the sea bed off
the shore of Dyffryn Ardudwy (Dyffryn Ardudwy is about five miles from
Barmouth on the road to Harlech). There is a reef that runs for some
twelve miles out to sea into the Cardigan Bay and it is thought that in
1703, a ship foundered there followed by a second ship, years later,
which lay on top of the first ship. One was carrying loaded cannons and
the other a cargo of pure white marble destined, some theorize, for St
Paul's Cathedral. In addition to the cannon and marble, a Bronze Bell
was also recovered from some 30ft of water and it bears the inscription
"Laudate Dominus Omnes Gente" (All peoples praise the Lord)
and dated 1677. It also bears profiles in relief of Christ and the
Virgin mother. The Bronze Bell wreck is possibly Spanish, and is
believed to be the most important wreck found in Welsh waters. The ship
is estimated to have been a 500-ton merchantman. Identification
suggests that the marble blocks originated in Northern Italy at the
renowned marble quarries of Cararra.
I all, the group have found 26 cannon, eight swivel guns, three anchors, 42 huge blocks of marble, dozens of cannon balls, bar shot and pewter plates. Most of these finds are permanently displayed in a small museum in Barmouth. Application was made to 'Cadw', the Welsh historic monuments department, for permission to raise about eight of the blocks lying loose outside the wreck but without disturbing the ecosystem. The total weight of the sunken stones is estimated to be 70-80 tons. The Italian quarries are now depleted and the marble is therefore extremely valuable. Frank Cocksey, a local sculptor has already sketched in his mind what he would like to do for an ambitious Celtic sculpture millennium project. One of his ideas is a very large, windswept harp. The old blind man of Barmouth would be very happy as I'm sure would we all. |
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