Reference

Date 1975

Event ID 640474

Category Documentary Reference

Type Reference

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/640474

The 5th rate (frigate) Dartmouth sank on 9 October 1690 while on patrol for William of Orange in his campaign against the Catholic Scots of the Western Isles. She was a typical 'workhorse' ship of the period and at the end of her long career, so her artifactual assemblage may be considered typical of the period. Comparison with artefacts from the wreck of the 5th rate Sapphire (built 1675 at Harwich, sunk in action against the French off Newfoundland in 1696, and archaeologically investigated in 1973) may illuminate:

1. the degree of standardisation then prevalent in the equipment of warships,

2. the origin of pottery on board (in the light of contemporary trade routes), and

3. the nature of personal possessions (including tableware) carried on board.

The pottery carried comprises items of lead-glazed earthenware, stoneware and tin-glazed ware. Pieces of the first (a coarse brown ware) were found strewn across the entire site of the Dartmouth and were probably derived from the lower deck. They were either single (internal only) or double-glazed in a dull grey fabric, and were probably storage vessels of East Midlands provenance; the presence of sparking grits is characteristic. The dark green lead-glazed ware found on the Sapphire was of similar form but lighter in colour and smaller in size. By comparison, the green earthenware found on the Dartmouth was crude in comparison; both the fabric and glaze resembling the dark grey clay used locally in Argyll. Dartmouth may have carried provisions which came on board with the Duke of Argyll's troops involved in the campaign. Fragments of sgraffito slipware dishes and a red earthenware jug (both probably of Staffordshire origin) were also found.

Fragments of stoneware vessels in a variety of fabrics were found. Bellarmine ware was found in small quantities in both wrecks, and was probably of continental origin. Salt-glaze ware of Westerwald type was found on the Dartmouth; jugs and mugs of this ware which may have been official issue after the accession of William of Orange. Delftware fragments were found on the Dartmouth, and were of types found in London.

Other storage and culinary items found on the Dartmouth include glass bottles, wooden galley and storage vessels, and pewter vessels. Culinary utensils recovered include brass tableware and items of cutlery. Numerous coarse green 'onion' bottles were found on both the Dartmouth and the Sapphire; analysis of the residue within a bottle from the former wreck suggests the former presence of a wine of Bordeaux type. Coarse 'brandy' type bottles (of slightly larger size and in a brown fabric were also found on both wrecks, as were pale green 'schnapps' bottles and small square-based bottles for ink, toilet water or medical supplies.

Barrels were apparently used widely at the time to store a wide range of commodities (including both victualling and ordnance stores). Staves and ends have been found on both wrecks. Pewter vessels (mainly plates) were found on the Dartmouth, but no identification marks have been discerned. A magnificent pewter spoon was also found, as were handles in scrimshaw, ivory, bone and hardwood, and a brass dish and spoon; the former may have been silver-coated.

The potential for the recognition of specific areas within the wreck from the artefacts found within them may also be noted. Specifically, the distribution of the artefacts may be affected by the factors:

1. the ship is much more broken up at the bow than the stern, where rock falls have prevented further dispersal of the structure and its contents, and

2. the bow of the ship is in an area of stronger currents, assisting the dispersal of wooden barrels and buckets.

In general terms, the ship may be seen as having been wrecked with her stern towards the island, and the richer artefacts in and around the Great Cabin. Comparison with documentary sources [specified] suggests an element of standardisation ('high degree of commonality'), although officers took at least some personal items of value. The crew apparently ate of pewter plates with knife and spoon (probably personal rather than 'issue'), but may have had no drinking vessels as such. The midshipmen, bo'sun and quartermaster had similar eating ware but drank from the apparently copious supply of wine in bottles and jugs. The officers used conventional cutlery and pewter tableware with some silver-dipped pieces, and had fine mugs (including delftware) for use on occasion.

(Artifacts described individually, with drawings and/or studio photographs of selected examples. List of culinary objects found on the Dartmouth tabulated, with original locations suggested. For background account of the Sapphire, see Barber, VC in IJNA, 6 (1977), 305-13).

R G Holman 1975.