The Spanish shipwreck
Derry-londonderry’s Tower Museum has launched a new exhibition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a remarkable maritime discovery
La Trinidad Valencera was a 1,000-tonne Venetian merchant ship that was commandeered by the Spanish in Sicily.
She was refitted to become one of the 120 galleons that formed part of the huge Spanish Armada that sailed for England in 1588. Unfavourable weather sealed the Armada’s fate and many ships were forced to sail north and circumnavigate the British Isles before they could return to Spain. It is believed that over 20 Spanish ships were wrecked along the north and west coasts of Ireland as the Armada made its way home after its defeat.
La Trinidad Valencera had been badly damaged during naval battles with the English and sank off Kinnagoe, County Donegal, in Ireland on 12 September 1588.
Many crew members drowned and 300 survivors were massacred by Irish forces loyal to the English Crown. Only the officers were spared, for ransom, while a handful managed to escape to neutral Scotland.
The shipwreck was later discovered on 20 February 1971 by divers of the City of Derry Sub Aqua Club. They found well-preserved cannon and other items such as ceramics, leather and textiles. Although treasures found on a similar ship called Girona off Northern Ireland are more famous, the finds on La Trinidad Valencera are the largest number to come from an Armada wreck. Many of her artefacts are now preserved at the
Tower Museum in Derry-londonderry. For the 50th anniversary of the ship’s discovery, the museum has spent the last ten years creating a spectacular exhibition called An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera. The ship’s story is told over four levels using innovative architectural design and information technology, with audio commentary available in six languages.
The exhibition has been organised by the Tower Museum in partnership with the Inishowen Maritime Museum and the Nerve Centre. It was due to be open to the public but Covid-19 restrictions have temporarily closed the museum. However, the museum is proud to offer exciting new content to bring the exhibition into homes. Visitors can take a virtual tour of La Trinidad Valencera’s exhibition on the collections section of the Tower Museum’s website. This includes an audio guide and floating icons to navigate through the exhibition. Visitors can also zoom in to read captions and view images in more detail. There’s even an aerial option from the top of the Tower Museum with spectacular panoramic views over Derrylondonderry and the River Foyle.