Reference

Date 1975

Event ID 927834

Category Documentary Reference

Type Reference

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/927834

(No accurate location cited). Greian Head [Ceann Aird Ghrein], Isle of Barra, Inverness-shire: Adelaar. The scattered remains of this Dutch East Indiaman, wrecked in 1728, were found around the exposed reef known locally as Maolach Sgeir (Cursed Reef) in 1972.

Excavation, which began in that year, was completed in April 1974 by the Institute of Maritime Archaeology, St Andrews University. There were no structural remains. Examples of each of the five types of gun carried by the ship were recorded, and a bronze 6-pounder and a swivel gun bearing the VOC cipher were raised. Sixty lead ingots, of four types, were recovered: some carried a mark tentatively identified as that of the Bright smeltery in Sheffield. Many of the distinctive yellow bricks often carried by East Indiamen as paying ballast were also noted. A massive concretion deposit containing shot, iron tools, and nails was examined in detail, and selective recoveries were made. Small finds, which were not numerous, included a copper pan, pan-lid handles, fishing hooks, small shot of various gauges, copper bars, a pump valve, shoe and belt buckles, part of a pocket watch, a pair of dividers, glass, a single sherd of stoneware pottery, clay pipe fragments, some silver ducatons, and four pieces of gold jewellery.

Disposal of the finds, preferably to an appropriate museum, is at present under discussion with the Dutch government and the Receiver of Wreck. Publication is being prepared in conjunction with a closely parallel wreck in Australian waters (Zeewyk 1727).

J Cherry 1975.

[Summary by RCAHMS (RJCM)]