Shipwreck Linked to Poet Wordsworth Protected by Government
- The sinking of the ship Earl of Abergavenny, closely linked to poet William Wordsworth, has been granted protection by the government.
- This historic shipwreck had a significant impact on the career of the legendary poet.
- The government's decision highlights the cultural and historical importance of this maritime tragedy.
The UK government has granted protection to the wreckage of the Earl of Abergavenny, a ship linked to one of the nation’s most significant maritime disasters. Owned by the East India Company, the vessel was part of a trading organization that dominated global commerce in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Following recommendations from Historic England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has scheduled the wreck, allowing divers to explore but prohibiting the removal of artifacts. Launched in 1796, the Earl of Abergavenny was one of the largest ships of its time, weighing 1,460 tonnes and constructed using iron, marking a technological advancement in shipbuilding. The ship met its tragic fate during a storm on its fifth voyage, when it struck the Shambles sandbank near Weymouth, resulting in the deaths of Captain John Wordsworth, 250 crew members, and passengers. The disaster not only claimed lives but also resulted in the loss of a cargo valued at approximately £7.5 million today. William Wordsworth, the renowned poet and brother of the ship's captain, mourned the tragedy in his writings, reflecting on the profound loss of his brother and the impact of the disaster. He expressed his enduring memory of John, highlighting the beauty of nature that they both cherished. The wreckage serves as a poignant reminder of the East India Company's maritime legacy and its far-reaching influence. Chloe Taylor, a museum coordinator at Portland Museum, emphasized the treacherous waters surrounding the Isle of Portland, where many ships have met their fate. The Earl of Abergavenny's story remains a vital part of the UK's maritime history, with its artifacts preserving the narratives of those lost at sea.