History Hit's Dan Snow has been given exclusive access to the incredibly well-preserved remains of the 18th-century warship Northumberland.
Complete with cannons, muskets and coils of rope, it's a discovery that's rewriting our understanding of the evolution of the Royal Navy.
The special film sees Dan on a personal mission to restore HMS Northumberland to her rightful place in the story of the Royal Navy, as one of the most iconic and important ships, the missing link between the Mary Rose and HMS Victory.
Together with a team of leading experts, he'll be investigating the ship’s construction, her pivotal role in the Royal Navy‘s search for the perfect warship, and the circumstances surrounding her tragic loss.
The Great Storm of 1703 was one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. A night of terror that cost the lives of over 1000 sailors and thirteen of the Royal Navy’s most valuable ships.
Tearing across the English Channel, swallowing ships, shattering cities, and claiming thousands of lives. Amongst the storm's casualties was Northumberland, one of the Royal Navy's most formidable warships, sunk with all hands.
Lost to the sea for over three hundred years. Shifting sands have started to reveal the broken vessel, once the pride of Her Majesty’s Fleet. But now, exposed to the elements, archaeologists are racing against time to save as much of the ship as possible before it’s gone forever.
Thanks to our partners at Historic England for granting us permission to film on the wreck site and The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Royal Maritime Museum for their support and participation.
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