Local history

Archaeologists fear priceless artefacts from a ship wrecked off the South Devon coast are being lost through neglect.

The treasures found at the Salcombe Cannon wreck site are irreplaceable jigsaw pieces of history - confined to the seabed when the unnamed ship sank in the mid-17th century.

Since it was discovered in 1995 by members of the South West Maritime Archaeology Group, earrings, pendants, tiny gold ingots and over 400 gold coins have been recovered.

Gold jewellery recovered from the wreck

These artefacts are now held by the British Museum as the largest collection of Islamic coins ever found in the UK.

Other items found at the wreck site include a collection of late Middle Bronze Age swords, rapiers, palstave axe heads, an adze, and a gold bracelet.

The Salcombe Cannon is designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act, but this has done little to protect it from vandalism and accidental damage. 

In 2007 the wreck was severely damaged by an unauthorised fishing vessel operating within the site's restricted area.

Carefully placed marker buoys were removed and survey lines were torn up and cut. Some years earlier the wreck was vandalised by rogue divers.

A sailor's pipe found at the wreck site

In June 2008, the Salcombe Cannon was added to the English Heritage 'at risk' register, which highlights historic treasures that should be saved for future generations.

Previously only Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings were included in the Heritage at Risk Register.

Now for the first time, the list covers Grade II listed buildings, monuments, archaeology, landscapes, places of worship and maritime wrecks.

It follows a major study of thousands of historic sites across England.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said the the Salcombe wreck had been highlighted because of its special interest.

A submerged anchor

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: "Heritage at Risk is not a name and shame exercise.

"The new register will focus everyone's attention on the neediest cases, bringing the owners, councils and others together and harnessing the nation's huge enthusiasm for its rich, varied but sometimes fragile past."

Buildings and sites added to the register do not necessarily get new funding but English Heritage hopes it will highlight their cases and encourage groups to provide financial support.

English Heritage is joining forces with the Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, National Coastwatch, South Hams District Council, the police and neighbouring fishing organisations in an awareness campaign to prevent further damage to the Salcombe site.

A semi-permanent marker buoy is also planned to eliminate accidental damage.