Find Spot MPM2084 - 17th century smooth bore cannon cast in Sweden, Portsmouth Harbour

Cannon dating to between 1630 and 1650 recovered by grab from a barge in 2016 during the Queen Elizabeth Class Capital Dredge Project in Portsmouth Harbour.

Cast iron smooth bore cannon dating to between 1630 and 1650. The cannon had a number of features and markings that indicated it was cast in Sweden. A marking at the base ring suggested the gun was used by the Dutch or French. It was later taken into service in England and marked with the Broad Arrow and the calibre 8 Pdr was added into the chase. See project report for full description.

The cannon was thought to be an isolated find as there was no evidence of any further archaeological material within the area. However, the cannon was recovered during the investigation of an anomaly c.12m north-west of where it was found. It may have been associated with another cannon (UID BWL1_0035, see MPM2083) recovered c.60m. As with the other cannon the trunnions (mounting/pivoting point) were not prominent and may have been fully or partially knocked off and the gun used as ballast.


UID: BWL1_0036 in Queen Elizabeth Class Capital Dredge Project report.

Wessex Archaeology, 2018, Queen Elizabeth Class Capital Dredge Project Her Majesty's Naval Base, Portsmouth: Archaeological Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SPM646.