May 19, 2007
18th Century Ship Docks in London
Stumble it!The Gothenburg, a Swedish ship last spotted in the Thames in 1745 sailed under Tower Bridge and fired a cannon salute earlier today. HMS Belfast fired a full gun salute in return, the first salute to be fired from the ship since it’s been berthed in London.
This Gothenburg is a replica, hand-crafted using traditional methods and materials dating back to the 18th century. Work on the project started in 2002. The ship is made up of over 50 kilometers of planks,70,000 hand-made nails, 10,000 bolts, 1,000 rigging blocks and 10 authentic, cast-iron cannons.
In the two years since the ship was completed, the Gothenburg has toured 13 nations along the Old East India trading routes.
The original ship sunk in mysterious circumstances en route to Scandinavia from London. The ship’s captain and owner allegedly sold the Gothenburg’s cargo in London and then sank the ship deliberately to defraud insurers.
The Gothenburg will remain in London until June 2nd - the Swedish King and Queen will be visiting the ship Sunday.
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