Entry Posted March 02, 2009
An Old Gower Prayer -
"Lord, on this night of tempest and storm remember and protect the poor sailors of the sea, and guide their ships to safe harbour. But Lord, if in Thy infinite wisdom it doth please Thee to wreck a ship, wreck her on the shore at [name of village], and not amongst the sinners in the parish of [name of neighbouring village]. Amen."
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I have recently been contacted by a couple of people wanting to learn more about the various ships that have been wrecked around the Gower Peninsula of the years. As I'm always pleased to respond positively to requests, I will devote the next three weeks on this site to discussing (and illustrating where I am able) some of the areas most notable maritime disasters. First up, here's a brief introduction to the topic followed by a list of the shipwrecks I will discuss:
Gower Shipwrecks - An Introduction
Gower's coastline is literally scattered with the wrecks of ancient - and not so ancient - shipwrecks. Highlighting one of the more fascinating chapters of Gower's history, some of the wrecks often lie proud of the sea and these make for some spectacular viewing. These visible wrecks are not permanent features, however. The natural erosion and corrosion of surf and wind and sand will one day reduce these wrecks to mere memory. Looking through some books on Gower shipwrecks can be a bit of an eye-opener when it is realised just how many shipwrecks which were once visible along Gower's coast are now lost to sight. It is a sad thought to remember the impermanance of these memorials to the bravery and tragedy inherent in Gower's maritime history.
List of Gower Shipwrecks
Helvetia (Visible Wreck)
Prince Ivanhoe (Visible Danger-Buoys Marking Site of Wreck)
Solor (Visible at low tide)
Roche Castle
Eldon Park
Bluebell
Glanravil Miner
The Vennerne (Visible at Low Tide)
The City of Bristol (Visible at Low Tide)
Vitee Zee
Milan
Epidauro
Ben Blanch
The Port Eynon Lifeboats
Mary Jones
Rene
Agnes Jack
Samuel (The Ship's Anchor Visible on Worm's Head Causeway)
The Caesar (Visible Burial Circle Marking Grave of Crew)
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