The Stirling Castle shipwreck refers to two distinct incidents: one involving the HMS Stirling Castle (1679) and the other involving the Stirling Castle (1829 brig). Both of these maritime disasters have captivated historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the rich maritime history of the regions where they occurred.
The HMS Stirling Castle (1679)
The HMS Stirling Castle was a 70-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, commissioned in 1701. On November 27, 1703, during the Great Storm, the ship was wrecked on the Goodwin Sands off Deal, Kent, with the loss of 279 lives. Only 70 out of the 349 crew members survived the tragic event.
Wreck Location and Discovery
The wreck of the HMS Stirling Castle lies in 12.1 meters (40 feet) of water near the North Sand Head, Goodwin Knoll. The wreck was discovered in 1979 by local recreational divers and has since been designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act, ensuring its preservation and careful study.
Excavation and Preservation
Since its discovery, the wreck of the HMS Stirling Castle has undergone various investigations and excavations, led by teams of archaeologists and historians. The publication of the archaeological findings on this wreck is available for £1,250.00, reflecting the significant historical and archaeological value of the site.
The Stirling Castle (1829 brig)
The Stirling Castle was a brig that was wrecked on Eliza Reef, near present-day Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, on May 21 or 25, 1836. The ship was traveling from Sydney to Singapore and Manila when it met its demise on the treacherous reef.
Fate of the Crew
The wreck of the Stirling Castle resulted in the death of Captain James Fraser, who reportedly died due to starvation or being speared by the local Aboriginal people. Eliza Fraser, the captain’s wife, was taken captive by the Aboriginal people before being rescued.
Historical Significance
The wreck of the Stirling Castle and the subsequent captivity of Eliza Fraser have become an integral part of Australian history, with the story inspiring numerous books, films, and cultural representations over the years.
Key Details
| Detail | HMS Stirling Castle (1679) | Stirling Castle (1829 brig) |
|---|---|---|
| Fate | Wrecked on the Goodwin Sands off Deal, Kent, on November 27, 1703 | Wrecked on Eliza Reef, near Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, on May 21 or 25, 1836 |
| Location | 12.1 meters (40 ft) of water near the North Sand Head, Goodwin Knoll | Eliza Reef, near Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia |
| Captain | Captain John Johnson perished with his ship | Captain James Fraser died after the wreck |
| Cost | The publication of the archaeological investigations is available for £1,250.00 | N/A |
| Timings | Commissioned in 1701, wrecked in 1703 | Launched in 1829, wrecked in 1836 |
| Directory | Managed by Historic England, a Protected Wreck | N/A |
| Hours | N/A | N/A |
| Rates | N/A | N/A |
| Value | Significant historical and archaeological value | Significant historical value, inspiring numerous books, films, and cultural representations |
The Stirling Castle shipwrecks, both the HMS Stirling Castle (1679) and the Stirling Castle (1829 brig), offer a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of their respective regions. While the HMS Stirling Castle wreck has been the subject of extensive archaeological investigations, the Stirling Castle (1829 brig) has left a lasting impact on Australian culture and history. These two distinct maritime disasters continue to captivate and inspire those interested in the rich tapestry of maritime history.
References
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Maritime Archaeology Trust. (n.d.). Stirling Castle – Maritime Archaeology Trust. Retrieved from https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/projects-research/stirling-castle/
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Maggs Bros. Ltd. (n.d.). Shipwreck Of The Stirling Castle, Containing A Faithful Narrative Of The Dreadful Sufferings Of The Crew And The Cruel Murder Of Captain Fraser By The Savages. Retrieved from http://www.maggs.com/shipwreck-of-the-stirling-castle-containing-a-faithful-narrative-of-the-dreadful-sufferings-of-the-crew-and-the-cruel-murder-of-captain-fraser-by-the-savages_202549.htm
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Australian National Placenames Survey. (2021). Eliza Fraser and the wreck of the Stirling Castle. Retrieved from https://www.anps.org.au/upload/June_2021.pdf
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Wikipedia. (2024). HMS Stirling Castle (1679). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Stirling_Castle_(1679)
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Wikipedia. (2024). Stirling Castle (1829 brig). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Castle_(1829_brig).