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Historic England Research Records

Saxon Briton

Hob Uid: 832079
Location :
Cornwall
Cornwall
Grid Ref : SW4187141986
Summary : Remains of 1917 wreck of Scottish cargo vessel, located approximately 2.5 miles NNW of Gurnard's Head. The SAXON BRITON foundered in this position after being torpedoed en route from Portishead for Calais with petrol. Constructed of iron in 1883, she was a steam-driven vessel. The remains of the SAXON BRITON have been positively identified by her bell; the site was formerly regarded as that of the DENEBOLA, now regarded as a site to the east (832080); that site was originally thought to have been that of the SAXON BRITON. Both were of similar tonnage and lost to torpedoes in the same area, leading to the former confusion.
More information : Wreck Site and Archaeological Remains:

Decca Indicator: 1 (1)
Method of Fix: Decca (1)

11-JUL-1973: Readings on magnetometer about 2.5 cables SE of 50 13 18N 05 37 24W which seems to be two small wrecks (possibly parts of DENEBOLA). (1)(2)

18-JUL-1973: Actually in one part, could be DENEBOLA. (1)(2)

28-DEC-2000: Dived in 50 13.260N 005 37.170W (WGS). Stands 3m high by echosounder. Length 70m, width 15m, height 3.5m. Lies N/S, bows S. Strong magnetic anomaly; no scour. Seabed of broken shell and sand. Lower hull plating intact 1m above seabed. Stern shaft and iron prop in place. Engine lies correctly, huge single boiler stands on end. Spare prop by the engine; bows detached and lie some 20m to the SW with other scattered wreckage. (2)

26-APR-2005: Wreck confirmed as SAXON BRITON from her bell which has been recovered; identity amended. (2)

Charted without qualification as SAXON BRITON; seen to be located approximately 2.5 miles NNW of Gurnard's Head. (3)

A porthole recovered from this wreck off St. Ives, named as SAXON RIVER, but believed to be SAXON BRITON. (Droit A/1671) (4)

Wreck Event and Documentary Evidence:

SAXON BRITON, built 1883 (5), for original owner, who were, apparently, Gibbs & Lee, (6); 1337 tons, 76.2m x 10.7m; torpedoed by submarine 3 miles NNE of Gurnard Head, 06-FEB-1917. (5)

06-FEB-1917: SAXON BRITON, 1337 tons (7)(8)(9)(10), sunk by U-55 (7)(10) 3 miles NNE of Gurnard's Head en route from Portishead for Calais with petrol. (7)(8)(9)(10). Two crew lost (7)(9)(10).

Vessel defensively armed. (9)

Torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-55, 06-FEB-1917. (11)

Built: 1883 (5)(7)(10)(11)
Builder: Tyne Iron (5)(7); Tyne Iron Shipbuilding Co. (11)
Where Built: Willington Quay (5)(7); Newcastle-upon-Tyne (11)
Propulsion: Screw-driven, 2-cylinder compound engine (11)
HP: 99 (11)
Boilers: 1 (11)
Construction: quarter-deck & bridge 140ft; forecastle 29ft (11)
Machinery: Black, Hawthorn & Co., Gateshead (11)
Official Number: 87493 (6)
Crew Lost: 2 (7)(9)(10)
Owner: original owner, Gibbs & Lee (6); at time of loss Kerse SS Co. Ltd. (Walker & Bain), Grangemouth (7)(10)

Date of Loss Qualifier: Actual date of loss
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Source details : accessed via < http://www.wrecksite.eu > subscription-only service, on 19-OCT-2010
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Source details : Section 2, North Cornwall (AC)
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Source details : < http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/ship/show?nameid=262265&shipid=100363 > accessed on 19-OCT-2010
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Source details : < http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/ship/list?IDNo=1087493&search_op=OR > accessed on 19-OCT-2010
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Source details : < http://www.uboat.net/wwi/ships_hit/5469.html > accessed on 19-OCT-2010
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Monument Types:
Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Built 1883
Monument End Date : 1883
Monument Start Date : 1883
Monument Type : Cargo Vessel
Evidence : Documentary Evidence
Monument Period Name : First World War
Display Date : Lost 1917
Monument End Date : 1917
Monument Start Date : 1917
Monument Type : Cargo Vessel, Armed Cargo Vessel
Evidence : Marine Magnetometer Reading, Find, Vessel Structure, Documentary Evidence
Components and Objects:
Related Records from other datasets:
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 2649 18-08-78
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 2655 30-08-91
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 2675 18-08-78
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Hydrographic Office Number
External Cross Reference Number : 13102552
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 1123 26-12-80
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 1149 04-02-72
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 1178 14-12-79
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Admiralty Chart
External Cross Reference Number : 2565 25-08-78
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Hydrographic Office Number
External Cross Reference Number : 16389
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Droit Number
External Cross Reference Number : A/1671
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SW 44 SW 1
External Cross Reference Notes :
Related Warden Records :
Associated Monuments :
Relationship type : General association
Associated Monuments :
Relationship type : General association
Related Activities :