Wrecked in 1797 while on a journey from Calcutta to Port Jackson, the 'Sydney Cove' was the first merchant vessel lost after the establishment of the colony of New South Wales.
Since its rediscovery in Tasmanian waters by divers in 1977, the 'Sydney Cove' site has since been the subject of an extensive research project. In this comprehensive account, which includes maps, photographs and rare pictures, maritime archaeologist Michael Nash documents the history and archaeology of one of Australia's most significant shipwrecks.
While the 'Sydney Cove' was a relatively small trading vessel of around 250 tons carrying cargo composed primarily of alcohol, foodstuffs, textiles, luxury goods and livestock, the archaeological and historical significance of the wreck is considerable.
The excavation of the site and the ongoing process of conservation, research and analysis have been assisted by a number of organisations and individuals throughout Australia. Based on research carried out on the 'Sydney Cove' site since its rediscovery in 1977, this publication has been produced in the hope that further nationally supported archaeological projects will continue to reveal neglected aspects of Australia's maritime history.
Contents:
Sydney Cove'
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. New South Wales and India: Developing Trade Links Across the Eastern Seas
2. Voyage of the 'Sydney Cove': Shipwreck and Survival on Preservation Island
3. Salvage and Exploration: The Rescue of Crew and Cargo Opens Up New Horizons for Exploration
4. Legacy of the 'Sydney Cove': Agency Houses Seize New Opportunities for Trade
5. Site Discovery and Excavation: Rediscovery of the 'Sydney Cove' and Her Cargo
6. Building and Working the sShip: Studying the Wreck Uncovers Shipbuilding Traditions
7. The India Trade: Indian Food - and Drink - find a Ready Market
8. The China Trade: Chinese Porcelain Survives the Shipwreck
9. Conclusions
References
Appendix: Captain Hamilton's Protest
Select Bibliography
Index
