It took no effort to free it from its home of 330 years; it was dented, weathered but in remarkably good condition … and thankfully empty!
For ethical treasure hunters, this is where the journey really begins – a wonderful descent into the rabbit hole of specialist historical research. So many questions were swirling in my head about the world of chamber pots and 17th Century British warships.
After conversing with several other protected wreck licensees and archaeologists, it became clear that chamber pots on warships were far from commonplace. During that era, toilets were a matter of blunt practicality. A sailor would have no choice but to use‘ the heads’ in the bow of the ship – essentially a long drop opening to the sea. If you happened to be posted below deck, any suitably shady corner would have to suffice when nature called urgently.
All would perform their ablutions in this way, apart from the most senior officers, or perhaps just the captain. If they were of reasonable means, they would have with them a chamber pot – luxury by the standards of the day. On British shipwrecks of that era, only a few have ever been found, and never more than one per wreck.
Ask any diver and they will say the bell of the ship is always the ultimate prize. But when we talk of rare finds, chamber pots are far more elusive. Such discoveries help to teach us about some of the less glamorous aspects of life on board a 17th Century wooden ship in the company of 500-600 crew.
The Captain of the Coronation was Charles Skelton, so perhaps this is his very own pot. It’ s a very fine pewter that few of the others could afford. We will never know for sure, as no markings have been found on it. But I believe this to be reasonable speculation. One thing is sure though – I now know an awful lot more about chamber pots that I did before finding one!
Inspecting the muzzle end of a gun on the Coronation
" I know a lot more about chamber pots that I did before finding one!"
Following its careful preservation by our wonderful conservator Carola from MSDS Marine, it was digitally recorded and scanned. It will now go on display at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre in Plymouth. So, for anyone visiting and diving out of Plymouth, do come and dive the Coronation Trail. And do take the opportunity to visit the huge Heritage Centre collection, where you will find the chamber pot, along with dozens of other items we have found.
I appreciate that the notion of ethical treasure hunting may sit uneasily in
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archaeological circles. All the same, I hope I have provided a compelling case for the defence. When carried out with simple checks and balances, along with the best intentions and support, it can yield fantastic rewards for us all. �
Handy links
Find a Conservator: icon. org. uk Research: nauticalarchaeologysociety. org protectedwrecks. org. uk Receiver of Wreck: email row @ mcga. gov. uk or call the team on 020 3817 2575. Coronation wreck project: coronationwreck. org
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