Affectionately known as ‘Eggs and Bacon’ by her crew, 10 April marks the 244thanniversary of the launch of HMS Agamemnon, Admiral Nelson’s favourite ship, built at Buckler’s Hard from 2,000 oaks and launched there in 1781.
The 64-gun ship fought in the Battle of Trafalgar and served the Royal Navy for nearly 30 years, before sadly sinking after being wrecked off the coast of Uruguay. While today it’s a quiet spot on the banks of the Beaulieu River, back in the 18th century Buckler’s Hard was a hive of activity, building warships that would go on to play major roles in British naval history.
Though she sank without trace, the wreck was rediscovered in 1993 – and in March 2024, a major new chapter unfolded…
In March 2024, an international diving mission was conducted off the coast of Uruguay to study the wreck of the historic ship. Working together was the Hon. Mary Montagu-Scott, Director of Buckler’s Hard, alongside teams from the University of Southampton, the Maritime Archaeology Trust, Bournemouth University, and UDELAR, a Uruguayan university. Together, they embarked on an archaeological survey to explore the remains of the vessel.
This long-lost ship, constructed at Buckler’s Hard in 1781, rests just 800 metres from shore at a depth of 10 meters. Despite challenging visibility conditions, divers conducted a thorough photogrammetry survey, uncovering that much of the starboard side remains intact, with copper bolt fastenings still evident among the timber.
Diving on the wreck has always been a lifelong ambition for Mary, she said: “I have always dreamt of seeing this wreck, as HMS Agamemnon is the only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard in the world. There are hopes of a return visit to the wreck later this year for a second survey, this time covering a wider area with the hope of finding the port side, whilst monitoring the ongoing deterioration of the timbers.”
The ‘HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition’ was created to tell the story of how nations are working together to preserve the wreck of Admiral Nelson’s favourite ship, which is now at risk of being exposed to erosion, treasure hunters and ship worm decay.
Mary added: “I have created this exhibition at Buckler’s Hard to promote and tell the story of how we will work jointly across nations to preserve the remains for future generations. The story is one that can bring our nations together, share the history, science and knowledge, and develop and celebrate our friendship through Maritime Archaeology.”
The HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition can be seen for free in the Shipwrights Workshop, along with free access to the grounds of Buckler’s Hard village, the Shipwright’s Cottage and charming St Mary’s Chapel, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar. Plus, discover a discount code within the exhibition for 20% off your admission to the Buckler’s Hard Museum.
