Bound for the East Indies: Halsewell-A Shipwreck that Gripped the Nation

The loss of the East Indiaman HCS `Halsewell` in 1786 inspired Charles Dickens, J. M. W. Turner, and the King and Queen to pay homage. Artefacts from the wreck continue to be recovered, shedding light on the ship and the lives of those who sailed in her.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: Fonthill Media

The tragic loss of the East Indiaman HCS `Halsewell on the coast of Dorset in southern England in January 1786, struck a profound chord within the British nation. `Halsewell was just one of countless vessels that had been in service to the Honourable East India Company since its inception in 1600. In the course of events, `Halsewell was expected to fulfill its working life and fade into obscurity, destined to be forgotten in the annals of history. However, fate had other plans. The loss of `Halsewell was an event of such profound sadness that it inspired the greatest writer of the age, Charles Dickens, to put pen to paper. It also ignited the artistic talents of J. M. W. Turner, who painted a captivating masterpiece that captured the essence of the tragedy. Moreover, the King and Queen paid their respects at the very spot where the catastrophe unfolded, demonstrating the profound impact of the event on the entire nation.

Artefacts from the wreckage of `Halsewell continue to be recovered to this day, and their sheer variety, interest, curiosity, and exoticism rival those recovered from Spanish armada galleons that were wrecked off the west coast of Ireland two centuries prior. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into `Halsewell herself, as well as the extraordinary lives of the individuals who sailed in her. They shed light on the hardships, challenges, and adventures encountered by those who ventured into the vast unknown of the Indian Ocean, and serve as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who sailed aboard her.

The loss of `Halsewell remains a significant chapter in British maritime history, reminding us of the risks and rewards of exploration and the enduring legacy of those who sailed the high seas. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing our maritime heritage and the sacrifices made by those who ventured into the unknown, paving the way for the development and prosperity of the British Empire.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 182 x 232 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781557532