Relic from Bonhomme Richard sail ship?
Artefact could have come from one of the country’s most famous shipwrecks
A Hunmanby man believes he may have found a piece o f wood f ro m t he s hi p - wreck the Bonhomme Richard, sunk in a naval battle off Flamborough.
A Hunmanby man believes he may have found a piece of wood from the famous shipwreck the Bonhomme Richard.
Mel Dicki nson, 5 1 , of Moor Lane, made the discovery on the beach at Speeton during a recent low tide.
The former miner, who is now an artist, is a regular visitor to the beach, but usually he is looking for stones and peb- bles to carve as artwork.
He said he knew there was something special about the find as soon as he saw it.
Mel explained: “It’s been submerged and has come from the seabed by the looks of it.
“It’s an unusual shape and is really heavy. It seems like something out of the ordinary.”
Mel has now had the piece looked at by the head of historic ships at Portsmouth Naval Museum, who believes it is part of a ship’s pump and possibly 16th century.
He said: “Although this i s still speculation and further investigation is needed, it does make it more possible for this piece of wood to be part of the Bonhomme Richard.”
Mel is keeping the wood submerged in saltwater at the moment and is hoping to hear back from other experts with whom he has been in touch.
He said: “I just want to get as much information back as I possibly can. I just have a feeling about it – it’s hard to explain why.
“But if it was from the Bonhomme Richard i t would be amazing.”
Mel can be contacted by email on mel171263@gmail.com
Bonhomme Richard, for- merly Duc de Duras, was a warship in the Continental Navy. She sank on September 25 1779 following the Battle of Flamborough Head.
The ship’s final resting location is the subject of much speculation. A number of unsuccessful efforts have been conducted to locate the wreck.
The location is presumed to be in approximately 180 feet (55m) of water off Flamborough Head.
Th e qu an t i t y o f ot h e r wrecks in the area and a century of fishing trawler operations have complicated all searches so far. Children in Need is back on November 13 – and we want you to send us your photos!
With events planned across the local area, the day is set to be a big hit in terms of fundraising and fun for those taking part.
Whether you are organising a bake sale, head s h av e o r mu si c ni g ht , share your news with us by emailing your pictures t o ia n. j ohnson@ j press. co.uk
People are also being encouraged to dress up for the occasion, with this year’s theme set as “Heroes”.
Fu n d ra is i n g pac k s , support and information to help you organise your own event can be found at www.bbcchildreninneed. co.uk/championsofchange
All the money raised wi l l g o t o wa rd s he l p - i ng chil dren’s chariti es across the UK, including Home Start, Whizz Kids and Hearing Dogs for Deaf Children.
Whatever you are doing on the day, don’t forget to let us know – send in your pictures with your name, contact number and event details.
‘I just have a feeling about it – it’s hard to explain’