Tuesday 7th March 2023: The Miller Theatre, The Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School: 7.30pm

We are pleased to welcome Professor Claire Jowitt, Professor of Renaissance Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities at the University of East Anglia, to deliver the 2023 Annual Collingwood Lecture, titled  ‘Norfolk’s MARY ROSE, the Wreck of the GLOUCESTER 1682′.

This warship foundered on a sandbank off Great Yarmouth and the wreck has recently been discovered.  Amongst those on board was James, Duke of York, the brother of Charles II and future King of England. James survived, but most of the 330 aboard did not.  Rumours abounded about arguments between the Duke, the ship’s officers and the Pilot prior to the sinking and of a chaotic abandonment after the ship had struck.

Professor Jowitt heads up an historical research project, which is exploring not only how and why the GLOUCESTER sank, but also the conspiracy theories about the tragedy’s causes and its political consequences.  The actual discovery, by two local divers, and the recovery and conservation of various artefacts, is also covered.  The talk coincides with the opening of a major exhibition at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery.  It promises to be an informative and entertaining lecture, full of history, political intrigue and questionable seamanship.

For further information on the wreck and the history, please see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-61734192  and https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/hms-gloucester-shipwreck-history-james-ii  (rmg.co.uk)

The Miller Theatre is located at the ‘Jesmond Metro station’ end of the RGS complex, on Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX.

Free admission for members of the Society and both students and staff of the Royal Grammar School.  £3 for visitors.  Light refreshments will be available.  Free parking on site.