The Weapons of Warwick

Summary

At the beginning of the 17th century, Sir Robert Rich, Earl of Warwick, christened his most recent venture. The Warwick was a mid-sized English vessel designed to ply the warm waters of the Caribbean and Bermuda. In the fall of 1619 she carried a cargo of supplies into Castle Harbour, Bermuda. While at anchor, a hurricane tore her from her anchors and dashed her against the reefs. Although salvaged after her sinking, recent excavation of the Warwick has revealed a wide variety of armament and weaponry. The assemblage presents an excellent overview of the types of arms used aboard ships at the beginning of the 17th century, including a newly recovered cannon. Careful study of the armament will reveal if the Warwick was armed for self-defense or for more lucrative pursuits.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Guns, Provisions, and the Governor: The Wreck of the Warwick, Bermuda 1619   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013

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Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 473