Wrecks of HM Frigates Assurance (1753) & Pomone (1811): Including the fascinating naval career of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Barrie, KCB, KCH (1774-1841)

The 40-gun frigate Assurance, which carried Governor Trelawny back from Jamaica in 1753, was the top item on Derek Williams' list of historic local wrecks. The site was designated the sixth British historic protected wreck site after his discovery was reported to the authorities. The Portsmouth Royal Naval diving team, led by author and diver John Bingeman, conducted annual visits to excavate the site, recovering 3,471 artifacts, including cannon weighing 1½ tons. These artifacts post-dated the Assurance, leading to the identification of a second 38-gun frigate, the Pomone, lost in 1811. Captains were blameless while their navigating officers were held responsible, even going to prison.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2021
Publisher: Oxbow Books

The Isle of Wight islander, Derek Williams, was captivated by the idea of treasure and embarked on a research journey to uncover ancient local wreck records. Among his extensive list of wrecks, the 40-gun frigate Assurance stood out as particularly intriguing. This vessel, lost in 1753 while returning from Jamaica with Governor Trelawny on board, has a fascinating story that may have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island.

Derek's first dive at the western point of the Isle of Wight, known as "The Needles," was an extraordinary experience. As he descended into the depths, he encountered a breathtaking array of cannons, various wreckage, and Spanish-American "Pieces of Eight," all scattered at the foot of the rock face. His discovery was nothing short of astonishing, and he promptly reported it to the authorities.

Recognizing the significance of this site, the authorities sought the expertise of author and diver John Bingeman. Together with David Tomalin, County Archaeologist, they developed the full potential of this important wreck site. Over the next nine years, John Bingeman's team conducted annual visits to excavate the site, tirelessly recovering 3,471 artefacts, including cannon weighing 1½ tons. Some of these cannons post-dated the Assurance, leading to the identification of a second 38-gun frigate, the Pomone, lost in 1811.

The Pomone's story took an intriguing turn when Paul Simpson discovered Captain Robert Barries extensive correspondence, archived by Duke University, North Carolina. Barries correspondence revealed the Pomone's continuous actions during the French Napoleonic wars, followed by her appointment to the 74-gun Dragon when she saw action in Chesapeake Bay during the 1812-15 war with the USA. After returning to North America as Senior Naval Officer Canada, Commodore Barrie made a significant impact by improving the political relationship between the USA and Canada. His legacy is remembered by the Canadian City named B.

The excavation of the Assurance and Pomone wreck sites has been a remarkable journey, shedding light on the maritime history of the Isle of Wight and providing valuable insights into the lives of the sailors who sailed these vessels. These discoveries have not only enriched our understanding of the past but also sparked interest in the ongoing exploration and preservation of historic wrecks.

Weight: 906g
Dimension: 222 x 289 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789256376