This report looks at the history of Dartmouth in order to try and establish where these cannons came from. During our diving and research, we did discover that there has been a lot of shipping activity in the area of Kingswear Castle and this has given us some clues as the how these cannon might have found their resting place. Our objectives, plans and approach have been included in the report.
The objectives of this project were to:
- Locate and identify what was left of the cannon site and produce a site survey.
- Research what ships sank in the area and get some idea of how they came to be there.
- Train a number of divers in marine archaeology.
The Dartmouth Cannon Project, initiated by the late Neville Oldham, is a remarkable endeavor dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and study of historic cannons found off the coast of Dartmouth. Neville Oldham’s passion for maritime archaeology and his dedication to uncovering the secrets of these submerged artifacts have left a lasting legacy in the field. The project focuses on understanding the origins, use, and historical significance of these cannons, offering valuable insights into naval history. Through meticulous research and conservation efforts, the Dartmouth Cannon Project continues to honor Oldham’s memory by preserving these important pieces of our maritime heritage for future generations to explore and learn from.
