Wessex Archaeology. Iona II, Off Lundy Island, North Devon. Designated Site Assessment: Archaeological Report

Transcription

1 Wessex Archaeology Iona II, Off Lundy Island, North Devon Designated Site Assessment: Archaeological Report Ref: mmm January 2009

2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES IN RELATION TO THE PROTECTION OF WRECKS ACT (1973) IONA II, OFF LUNDY ISLAND, NORTH DEVON DESIGNATED SITE ASSESSMENT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT Prepared by: Wessex Archaeology Portway House Old Sarum Park Salisbury WILTSHIRE SP4 6EB Prepared for: English Heritage Fort Cumberland Fort Cumberland Road Eastney Portsmouth PO4 9LD January 2009 Ref: mmm Wessex Archaeology Limited 2009 Wessex Archaeology Limited is a Registered Charity No

3 IONA II, OFF LUNDY ISLAND, NORTH DEVON DESIGNATED SITE ASSESSMENT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT Ref: mmm Summary Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by English Heritage to undertake a Designated Site Assessment of the Iona II, a designated wreck located off Lundy Island, North Devon. The work was undertaken as part of the Contract for Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973). The Iona II is a paddle steamer built on the Clyde in Scotland in 1863 as a cross-clyde ferry that was subsequently sold to an agent of the Confederate Government of the Southern States of America, which was at the time engaged in a civil war with the northern Federal States. The Iona II set sail for America in January 1864 and sank off the coast of Lundy on 2 nd February The diving operations which took place in July 2008 concentrated on assessing the condition of the wreck with reference to existing monitoring points established in Areas off the site were searched for debris, as was the area between the Iona II and the nearby wreck of the MV Robert. Diving time was limited by poor weather conditions and the condition survey of the site was limited as a result. No new archaeological features were noted and the condition of the wreck was observed to be similar to that seen in 2004, with some slight deterioration of the more fragile elements of the site. A geophysical survey was also conducted over the site, in an effort to try and detect any evidence of the suggested outlying debris field. A total of 15.4 line kilometres of magnetometer data were acquired over the site of the Iona II between the 18 th and 21 st July Two anomalies were detected, which were found not to be of archaeological importance. It is likely that the high ferrous content of the Iona II and the MV Robert precluded the detection of smaller anomalies in the vicinity of the two wrecks. A limited desk-based assessment, conducted after the diving operations had been completed, has shown that there are a number of sources of primary data regarding the Iona II which may be of interest for further research. i

4 IONA II, OFF LUNDY ISLAND, NORTH DEVON DESIGNATED SITE ASSESSMENT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT Ref: mmm Acknowledgements This investigation was commissioned by English Heritage as part of the Contract for Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973). The assistance provided by Mark Dunkley of English Heritage is gratefully acknowledged. Wessex Archaeology would also like to thank the following people: Andrew Bengey, Licensee; Nicola Saunders, Licensee and Lundy Warden; Don Shiers, owner of BCD Marine; Ian Cundy, former Licensee; Philip Robertson, former Licensee; Alison Kentuck, Receiver of Wreck; Emma Yan, Duty Archivist at the Archives Service of Glasgow University; The staff of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. The fieldwork was carried out by Niall Callan, Graham Scott, Matt Astill, Simon Adey- Davies and Cristina Serra with assistance from vessel master Robin Reebs. Niall Callan supervised the fieldwork and Graham Scott and Simon Adey-Davies supervised the diving. This report was compiled by Niall Callan with contributions on geophysics from Cristina Serra and the illustrations were prepared by Kitty Brandon. The project was managed for Wessex Archaeology by Steve Webster and geophysics quality assurance was provided by Paul Baggaley. Data Licences The chart used in Figure 1 was obtained from the UK Hydrographic Office. The following notice applies: This product has been derived, in part, from Crown Copyright Material with the permission of the UK Hydrographic Office and the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office ( All rights reserved. NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION. WARNING: The UK Hydrographic Office has not verified the information within this report and does not accept liability for the accuracy of reproduction or any modifications made thereafter. The material derived from the UKHO is subject to licence 820/020220/11 and the conditions on end-users and third parties contained therein. The following chart has been added to Schedule 1 Annex A: Digital use of Chart 1179 (dated 1994). A copy of the report will be sent to the UKHO. ii

5 IONA II, OFF LUNDY ISLAND, NORTH DEVON DESIGNATED SITE ASSESSMENT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT Ref: mmm Contents 1. BACKGROUND Introduction Document Parameters Objectives EXISTING SITE DATA General Summary Site History METHODOLOGY Diver Survey Geophysical Survey RESULTS Site Position Assessment of the Site Environment Geophysical Survey Assessment of the Wreck Archaeological Records Documentary Sources Construction Service on the Clyde Sale to the Confederates Voyage Loss Contemporary Salvage Operations DISCUSSION REFERENCES: APPENDIX I: MONITORING POINTS APPENDIX II: MAGNETOMETER OBSERVATION LOG APPENDIX III: RECEIVER OF WRECK DROITS RELATING TO THE IONA II iii

6 Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Iona II site location Magnetometer data Plates Plate 1 Plate 2 Plate 3 Plate 4 Plate 5 Frame (MP5) Forward boilers (MP6) Grille adjacent to boilers (MP6) Sternpost (MP14) Toilet recovered prior to designation Front cover illustration Bow area of Iona II, with backdrop of magnetometer plot Back cover illustration Diver deploying magnetometer for operational test iv

7 IONA II, OFF LUNDY ISLAND, NORTH DEVON DESIGNATED SITE ASSESSMENT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT Ref: mmm 1. BACKGROUND 1.1. INTRODUCTION This document constitutes a Designated Site Assessment: Archaeological Report for a programme of work undertaken as part of the Contract for Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973). The document has been prepared by Wessex Archaeology (WA) for English Heritage (EH). It constitutes an assessment of the Iona II; a designated wreck located off Lundy Island, North Devon (Figure 1) DOCUMENT PARAMETERS This report is preceded by an designated site assessment conducted in 2004 (WA 2004). Only a summary of the data generated by that survey is reproduced in this report. It should also be noted that whereas every attempt has been made to ensure that the facts within the report are correct; errors arising from the preliminary character of the desk-based study into the documentary and archaeological history of the site, may be present OBJECTIVES The overall objectives for the site as defined in the Brief (EH 2008) were as follows: Contact all existing site Licensees, County Archaeologist and EH s Historic Environment Field Advisor to provide details of planned work for Invite Licensees, County Archaeologist and EH s Historic Environment Field Advisor to visit operations; Contact Don Shiers, BCD Marine, in relation to the initial discovery of the Iona II and the extent of his personal archive, including artefacts; Assess and appraise (and integrate where necessary) archived ADU geophysical survey data; Undertake magnetometer survey of the Iona II debris field (located to the northwest of the main site) and ground-truth anomalies; Locate and accurately position (plotted by tracked diver survey) any visible archaeological material; Produce an integrated structured record of desk and field observations; preferably including a photographic record of the site and a basic site plan. Key artefacts are to be subject to detailed examination and recording (position by tracked diver survey, taped measurements, photographs and video and written database entries); Provide a definitive (and repeatable) distance between the Iona II and MV Robert; 1

8 Undertake a Risk Assessment with reference to English Heritage s Risk Management Handbook (EH 2008a) and extant site monitoring points. 2. EXISTING SITE DATA 2.1. GENERAL The position of the site as given in the Statutory Instrument (SI) is as follows: Statutory Instrument Lat N Long W WGS The SI number for the site is 2006/1486. From the centre point (given above) the designated area consists of a circle with a radius of 50m, but excluding the adjacent wreck of the MV Robert from the designation (Figure 1) The site position obtained by WA in 2004 is as follows: Lat. Long N W WGS This position represents the location of the most northerly exposed archaeological feature located during WA fieldwork in 2004, thought to be the remains of a sternpost The following people currently hold Visitor s Licences for the site: Nicola Saunders, Principal Licensee and Lundy Warden; Derek Green, Lundy Manager; Andrew Bengey, local Charter Skipper; Steve Ashton, chairperson of the local Sub-Aqua Club (SAC) Other information available prior to the assessment was as follows: ADU sidescan sonar survey results and images (2002); ADU photographic record; ADU report 02/07; ADU report 95/20; ADU report 93/05; ADU report 92/17; ADU report 91/23; ADU report 044 (1989); Licensee report 2007; Licensee report 2006; 2

9 Licensee report 2005; Licensee report 2001; Licensee report 2000; Potter s Bar Sub-Aqua Club survey report (1990) with isometric sketch; Updated WA isometric plan (2004); Statutory Instrument 2006/1486; National Monuments Record (NMR) and UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) archive summaries; Full survey archive of former Licensee Ian Cundy of Malvern Archaeological Diving Unit; Port side elevation photomosaic produced by former Visitor s Licence holder Thomas Droste (2001); Various published and unpublished works SUMMARY SITE HISTORY : Site discovered by dive tour operator John Shaw while looking for the MV Robert. Shaw subsequently carried out small-scale excavation at the site. Some finds were deposited in the Greenock Museum June 1989: Site visited and surveyed by ADU who noted that the MV Robert lay 64 metres from wreck. The original co-ordinates in the UKHO record place the MV Robert 300 metres to the north-east of the Iona II. This is thought to reflect the reported point of loss of the Robert, rather than a surveyed position rd January 1990: Site designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973) June 1990: Photographic and other survey work carried out under licence by Potters Bar Sub-Aqua Club : ADU note lifting strop on funnel base and signs of excavation : Gradual deterioration of wreck noted during monitoring visits by ADU. Identified damage resulting from illegal diving, fishing activities and from anchors of dive boats trying to moor on the nearby wreck of the MV Robert. Remains of fishing nets found and photographed by ADU : Section of aft starboard boiler collapsing through what appears to be natural degradation according to Philip Robertson s report to DCMS : Licensee John Heath took photographs to assist a general overview survey of the site : Ian Cundy of Malvern Archaeological Diving Unit granted a Survey Licence to dive and survey the site. Several anomalies and possible new areas of exploration revealed. Degradation of site considered to be minimal since 1990, although report to DCMS states that less of wreck now visible and readily recognisable : Extensive survey on forward section undertaken by Ian Cundy and his team. Visitor Licence holder Thomas Droste produced photomosaic of port side elevation. 3

10 Illegal diving observed on site by Licensee. SMB reels and ropes from illegal diving found on site : WA undertakes diver survey to facilitate the management and understanding of the site and to establish a monitoring regime for the site. The position of the Iona II relative to the MV Robert was also assessed : The designated area was amended to ensure that the wreck was fully covered : WA undertakes diver and magnetometer surveys over the site. 3. METHODOLOGY 3.1. DIVER SURVEY A four-person diving team, using surface supplied diving equipment, was deployed from the diving support vessel Xplorer, a 12-metre inshore survey catamaran. Singlepoint and two-point anchoring systems were used on the site, as appropriate to the sea conditions on each day of diving operations The survey methods employed on this site consisted of diver examination of the wreck and the surrounding environment using video and digital stills photography. Digital still photographs were taken using a housed Canon G2 digital camera with a 0.56 wide-angle adapter using both natural light and strobe-assisted flash. Video images were taken using a hat mounted single chip Colourwatch Digital Inspection Camera, recording onto minidv tape During the survey archaeological features were position-fixed using Prospector, a Long Baseline (LBL) acoustic tracking system manufactured by Sonardyne Ltd. This produced co-ordinates in World Geodetic System (WGS) 1984 Datum, which were projected in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 30 North. Using the acoustic diver tracking system it was possible to accurately position all archaeological features observed during the course of the survey The seabed between the Iona II and the MV Robert was searched using a Fischer Pulse 8X underwater metal detector in an effort to detect any buried remains which might not show up on the magnetometer survey due to this area s proximity to the two wrecks All data acquired during diving operations, other than images, was recorded in real time within an MS Access database linked to the tracking system via ArcView 9.2 GIS software. Observations were logged with positional information attached, allowing accurately positioned archaeological features to be displayed in a GIS workspace WA s proforma recording sheets were used to supplement the database recording system. 4

11 3.2. GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY The magnetometer data were acquired using a SeaSpy marine magnetics magnetometer, cycling at 4Hz, and recorded in Hypack Inc software The marine geophysical data were recorded in WGS 1984 Datum as provided by the on-board Trimble GPS system. The co-ordinates were projected in Hypack to UTM Zone 30 North. The data and the results are presented accordingly. The recorded co-ordinates refer to the boat position. Detailed logs of the magnetometer position relative to the GPS were taken and these were accounted for during data processing The magnetometer was calibrated on board as a Chart Datum surface reference (0 metres). All water depths were given in metres and refer to Chart Datum. Chart Datum approximates to Lowest Astronomical Tide A unique raw file was recorded for each survey line. The recorded raw data included the total magnetic field strength, the GPS coordinates, the date, GMT time, magnetometer depth from water surface, and fixes produced every 50 metres by Hypack Data quality was constantly monitored throughout the survey and quality assurance of each survey line was undertaken on board after each survey and before exporting the files from Hypack The magnetometer data for each of the survey lines were exported in text format, which would then be loaded into Magpick software, a magnetometer data processing and visualisation software Each line of data was layback corrected in Magpick and then processed to remove the regional magnetic field and also any large diurnal variations, which may have masked small magnetic anomalies of interest to this survey. The data were then gridded to produce a contour map of the survey areas and plotted with the magnetic field strength values represented by graded colour bands to show changes in the magnetic field strength The assessment of the magnetometer data consisted of identifying anomalies of archaeological interest. In order to aid this process a note was made of all passing buoys or other obstructions visible on the surface or the survey vessel s echosounder. All anomalies with a total amplitude greater than 5nT were recorded and given a unique ID number starting at The anomalies were visualised in GIS software, compared to previous results and grouped into targets in terms of potential association. Targets were given a new ID identifier starting at

12 4. RESULTS 4.1. SITE POSITION Lat. Long N W WGS The above position represents an averaged position, taken on the sternpost of the wreck. It was obtained through tracked diver survey using the LBL Prospector tracking system ASSESSMENT OF THE SITE ENVIRONMENT The site lies off Lundy Island, in England s only statutory Marine Nature Reserve. Lundy Island and the surrounding seabed are geologically distinct from the closest land in North Devon and South Wales, being mainly composed of granite intruded into metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. Topography No formal topographic survey of the seabed was undertaken by WA; the following comments are made on the basis of general diver observations only The seabed around the wreck is generally flat, with a slight slope detected east of the amidships area. The seabed was found to consist of coarse to fine sand with some shell inclusions and a veneer of silt in areas around the wreck itself. Flora and Fauna A marine biological survey was carried out and reported in 1995 for the Marine Conservation Society MNR working party (Irving et al 1995). This indicated that areas of the wreck, particularly the boilers, are colonised with plumose anemones (Metridium senile) No formal marine biological survey of the seabed was undertaken by WA; the following comments are made on the basis of general diver observations only The WA diving team noted an increase in levels of marine growth on exposed features compared to observations made in Short turf marine growth, consisting of various unidentified species of flora and fauna, was found to cover all of the wreck s exposed structure. This turf growth supported a variety of marine life including several unidentified species of fish, crabs, lobsters and starfish GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY Introduction The survey area consisted of a 700 metres (north-south) by 200 metres (east-west) block over the site of the Iona II. The survey lines were undertaken north-south at 10 metre line spacing. This produced at least 15.4 line kilometres over the site. 6

13 The magnetometer survey was undertaken mostly at high tide when water depth was approximately five metres above Chart Datum (CD). Water depth at low water was approximately one metre above CD (Admiralty Chart No ) The magnetometer was towed as deep as was possible with cable layback ranging from 80 metres in the shallowest contours to 200 metres in the deepest. The magnetometer depth ranged between five metres and 18 metres below the surface, representing between half and a third of the water depth The magnetometer data revealed two anomalies of no archaeological interest, one of which was a highly magnetic object detected in the Iona II dataset. It was suspended in the water column and is believed to be of modern origin. There was no visible sign of this object on the surface while the survey was undertaken. The object lay approximately 50 metres east of the edge of the Iona II. It is clearly visible on the colour plot in Figure A long and broad feature orientated north-west to south-east was also identified north of the Iona II. This feature measured at least 230 metres by 70 metres and it is believed to be a geological formation (Figure 2). Magnetometer Survey Results The magnetometer survey covering the designated site of the Iona II revealed a total of five targets, , identified by ten anomalies, Details of these anomalies are presented in Appendix II and Figure 2. Target ID This is a group of four highly magnetic anomalies (4001, 4002, 4009 and 4010) identified in four survey lines. Given the high magnetic response of this wreck no individual wreck components can be distinguished or defined. The total magnetic amplitude of these anomalies ranges from 986nT to 2469nT Target ID 6000 lies approximately in the centre point (17 metre radius) of a highly ferrous group of objects and structures identified during WA s 2004 diving operations. These objects are mostly components of the wreck s engine such as the boilers, funnels, crank shafts and other structural components. Target ID Target ID 6001 has been identified approximately 30 metres north-east of target ID 6000 and 27 metres south-west of target ID With a broad magnetic signature of 1258nT, this anomaly indicates the presence of a highly ferrous object or structure Based on ADU 2004 sidescan sonar imagery, target ID 6001 lies within 12 metres of the Iona II s wreck s edge and 16 metres west of the edge of the MV Robert. Considering that the wreck of the Robert is detected in subsequent survey lines, anomaly 6001 is believed to represent a component of the Iona II Based on WA s 2004 diving operations, target ID 6001 lies within 14 metres of the Iona II s stern post, with some debris and a structural frame (WA 16) lying just three metres off the survey line. 7

14 Target ID Target ID 6002 has been identified approximately 52 metres south-west of target ID Based on the ADU s sidescan sonar imagery, target ID 6002 lies 23 metres west of the edge of the Iona II wreckage and metres from the bow, framing and plating observed during WA s 2004 diving operations. Two other survey lines separate these anomalies suggesting there is no continuation of the magnetic signature and thus target 6002 might be a separate but associated area of debris. The total magnetic amplitude of this anomaly is 44nT. Target ID Target ID 6003 has been identified approximately 39 metres south-east of target anomalies 6000 and 6001, and nearly 49 metres south-west of target ID Based on the ADU s sidescan sonar imagery, target ID 6003 lies 30 metres east of the edge of the Iona II wreckage and nearly 23 metres south of the edge of the wreckage associated with the MV Robert. Target ID 6003 lies 28 metres east of a wheel observed (WA 18) during WA s 2004 diving operations Target ID 6003 is characterised by a broad monopole signature. The magnetic amplitude of this anomaly is 139nT, and it may represent debris associated with either of the wrecks. Target ID Target ID 6004 is a group of highly magnetic anomalies (4006, 4007 and 4008) identified in two different survey lines. Target ID 6004 lies 26m east of target ID 6001 and based on ADU s 2004 sidescan sonar imagery, anomalies 4006 and 4007 lie within the limits of the wreck of the Robert with a total magnetic amplitude ranging from 1028nT to 1364nT. Anomaly 4008 lies six metres south-east of the ADU s wreck outline with a smaller magnetic amplitude of 614nT. This anomaly might be a responds from the wreck s edge. Given the altitude of the magnetometer above the seafloor and the high magnetic response of this wreck, no individual wreck components can be distinguished or defined, however note that anomaly 4006 lies four metres east of the position of the Robert s keel ASSESSMENT OF THE WRECK The WA dive team encountered challenging weather conditions during the course of the diving session off Lundy Island and diving was not possible on three out of the six days spent in the area. A total of four dives were conducted on the Iona II site between the 16 th and 21 st of July 2008, achieving a combined bottom time of 102 minutes Due to the constraints imposed by the poor weather and limited bottom time, WA was unable to repeat a comprehensive survey of every monitoring point established during the 2004 fieldwork. Instead, diving focused on making detailed observations of particular monitoring points and an attempt was made to conduct a general visual inspection of the overall site Overall the wreck was seen to be in a very similar condition to that observed during the 2004 fieldwork. The main notable differences included a slight reduction in sediment levels at the bow area, and some further deterioration of the upstanding hull plating near the forward port boiler (WA 07). 8

15 Bow Area The bow area remains in a similar condition to that observed in There has been a slight reduction of approximately 0.1 metres in the sediment levels in this area, and a more pronounced outline of the hull can be seen as a result The outline of the bow remains reflects the ship s narrow clipper-like hull. Stanchion supports run along the centre line toward the boilers and there are several frames (Plate 1) standing proud of the seabed on the port and starboard sides A photomosaic produced by Visitor s Licence holder Thomas Droste in 2001 depicted an upstanding stanchion in this area which was not observed during this year s fieldwork. It is probable that this stanchion has collapsed and is lying flush with the seabed, possibly obscured by light sediment cover. Amidships The main features in the amidships area are the boilers, crankshaft and the remains of the paddle wheel assemblies. There are two tubular boilers forward of the crankshaft (Plate 2) and two aft, the aft boilers being shorter than the forward ones The boilers are all in a similar condition to that observed in 2004, being covered in a layer of concretion yet retaining identifiable fixtures. Apart from infrequent small holes, the boiler plates are largely intact. The boilers appear to be buried to a similar level as that noted during previous fieldwork and the firebox on the starboard forward boiler is still exposed by scour. A grille (Plate 3) lies partially exposed adjacent the forward boilers, the function of which is not understood at present On the port side of the forward boiler there is a section of the hull which stands approximately two metres proud of the seabed and runs for approximately four metres along the length of the vessel. This consists of three partial sections of hull plating and four frames. This plating is corroded and fragile; a hole in the section of plating attached to the forwardmost frame was noted to be larger in 2008 than previously observed The condition of the crankshaft and the remains of the paddle wheel assemblies have not noticeably changed since Given the fragmentary nature of some of the remains of the paddle wheel assemblies, there is the possibility that some of this material may be mobile and at more at risk of loss than other features, however no noticeable deterioration was observed A section of the forward funnel lies on its side between the crankshaft and forward boilers and the remains of the aft funnel lie several metres off the port side of the aft boilers. The remains of both funnels do not appear to have deteriorated since Stern There is little visible above the level of the seabed in the stern area. An outline of the hull can be seen on the seabed similar to that at the bow, although it is not as pronounced or obvious. This tapers to meet together at what is probably the stern, where the remains of the stern post (Plate 4) can be seen. The stern post was seen to be in a similar condition to that observed in

16 Other visible remains include the centre support stanchions running along the centre line towards the rear boilers, and the remains of frames along both the port and starboard side. Outlying areas A definitive and repeatable distance between the Iona II and MV Robert was established in The distance between the stern post of the Iona II and the base of the MV Robert s rudder was measured by tape and by tracked diver survey and found to be 31.4 metres. This approximately conforms to the distance suggested by the ADU s 2002 sidescan survey Previous licensees have commented that debris lies outside the immediate confines of the wreck. No magnetic anomalies were detected beyond the immediate radius of the wreck site. The seabed between the Iona II and the MV Robert was searched using a Fischer Pulse 8X underwater metal detector in an effort to detect any buried remains, which might not show up on the magnetometer survey due to this area s proximity to the two wrecks. No features of archaeological significance were observed ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDS The Iona II has been subjected to several surveys and some excavation since its discovery in The extent to which the site has been surveyed to an acceptable current archaeological standard can be considered to be reasonably extensive, although there are significant items missing from the archaeological record The missing items include elements of the ADU s archive and records relating to the initial discovery of the wreck in The status of the archaeological record is described in a separate management report submitted to EH The Receiver of Wreck holds droits for artefacts recovered from the Iona II prior to designation. These include a lead and pewter toilet with a decorated ceramic bowl. These droits are listed in Appendix III DOCUMENTARY SOURCES As part of the work conducted on the Iona II, a limited documentary assessment was carried out. It was WA s intention to ascertain what primary source data existed regarding the Iona II, in order to assess the veracity of several claims made about the ship, its cargo and its loss Many of the assertions made about the Iona II have come from modern documentary sources. While these assertions were almost certainly made after much research on the part of the authors, in many cases the primary source material is not referenced. The identification of primary source material relevant to the wreck will hopefully suggest further avenues of research which could resolve outstanding questions about this site. Construction A contemporary watercolour illustration of the Iona II shows the general form of the vessel. It is held at the MacLean Museum and Art Gallery in Greenock. The National Maritime Museum in London also holds a reconstruction line drawing of the vessel, 10

17 which, while not contemporary, is based on contemporary sources. In addition to this, WA has seen a copy of a contemporary drawing of the vessel s engine from the ADU s site archive; however it is not known where this drawing has been sourced from Contemporary newspaper articles related to the launch of the Iona II provide further details on the ship s construction. The Illustrated London News, goes into considerable detail on the subject, describing the engines, boilers, engine room and the luxurious décor of the vessel, while the Glasgow Daily Herald describes the ship s tubular boilers and the paddle wheels patent feathering floats The Archives Service of Glasgow University holds some primary source material on the shipbuilders of the Iona II, J. & G. Thomson. Whilst WA has not viewed this material first-hand, the Archives Service s website lists the following items in its collection which cover the years of the American Civil War: Directors private letter book; Private ledger No. 1; Private ledger No. 2; General ledger; Various cashbooks The Duty Archivist at Glasgow University s Archive Service was kind enough to briefly consult the indexes of these sources to see if the vessel s name was mentioned. It was found that the Director s private letter book contained one letter from J. & G. Thomson Ltd. to Hutcheson & Co. Ltd. specifying the cost of the ship A more in-depth study of these sources may reveal more information relating to the commissioning and construction of the Iona II. As the saloons which were removed from the Iona II were later installed on her successor, the Iona III (Duckworth and Langmuir 1987: 37); there may also be information in these documents relevant to the refit of the Iona II after her purchase by the Confederates. There are also additional documents relating to J. & G. Thomson Ltd. in the years following the American Civil War which could possibly include information on the Iona II. Service on the Clyde The Iona II was initially purchased by David and Alexander Hutcheson and David MacBrayne for their Glasgow to Ardrishaig route. This company survives to this day as Caledonian MacBrayne, one of the largest ferry companies serving the west coast of Scotland. It is possible that Caledonian MacBrayne still possess archival documents related to the operation of the company at the time the Iona II was in service. WA has contacted Ian McRorie, Caledonian MacBrayne s company historian, in order to ascertain what documents are retained by the company. At the time of writing this report WA had yet to receive a response from Mr. McRorie. Sale to the Confederates Documentary sources state that the Iona II was registered in the name of D. McNutt and sold to an agent of the Confederacy, Charles Hopkins Boster of Richmond, Virginia. WA was unable to find a documentary account that referenced the primary source material for this assertion, so it is difficult to find out more about Charles Hopkins Boster. 11

18 The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies are the most comprehensive set of records for the American Civil War, they were compiled from correspondence, various records and first hand accounts of the war and were published in They are now available on the internet in 38 volumes of searchable text. WA was unable to find any reference to the name Charles Hopkins Boster in any of these records WA also searched online census records for Richmond city, Richmond County and the state of Virginia for the 19 th century and was unable to find any reference to a Charles Hopkins Boster. However, it is not possible to assess how comprehensive these online historical census records are. In addition to this it is worth noting that the sourcing of vessel in Britain for the Confederacy was a clandestine business, and there is the possibility that the name Charles Hopkins Boster may have been a pseudonym In his 2001 Licensee Report Ian Cundy mentions that a member of his dive team, Bill Turner, had begun to contact archivists in America with a view to researching Charles Hopkins Boster. Ian Cundy was contacted regarding this matter and said he would endeavour to find out how successful this research had been It is asserted in various documentary sources that the Iona II had had her luxurious passenger saloons removed and replaced with temporary deckhouses and that her hull plating was strengthened and a mainmast added (ibid: 36). It is possible that more detailed information on these modifications may be included in any records of the sale of the vessel which may still be retained by Caledonian MacBrayne. As previously mentioned, the saloons which were removed were reported to have been installed on the ship s successor, the Iona II. This suggests that the modifications to the ship were made by J. & G. Thomson Ltd. and it is possible that further information may be available in the records held by Glasgow University Any information on the structural modifications made to the Iona II will be particularly important as they may shed light on the manner in which the vessel foundered The Iona II has been described in various documentary sources as being a gunrunner or as having been carrying gunpowder. That the vessel was intended as a blockade runner is clear and is accepted as fact in several contemporary newspapers which described her sinking. A local Clyde newspaper reports that she was intended to run the blockade between Charleston and Nassau and an Ilfracombe newspaper describes her as a slippery craft which was intended to show her tail to the squadrons blockading the Confederate ports. The same newspaper goes on to state that gunpowder formed a considerable part of the ship s cargo. The contemporary salvage operations, described below, seem to suggest that whether carrying gunpowder or not; the Iona II s cargo was valuable or important enough to warrant such recovery. Voyage Contemporary newspapers describe the Iona II leaving the Clyde at the start of her last voyage. A copy of a contemporary newspaper article in the ADU s archive reports the wrecking of the Iona II and recounts her leaving the Clyde heavily laden with coal. While this newspaper is unfortunately unnamed, it reads: 12

19 Our readers may recollect that the Iona passed down the Clyde on the 16th ult., and proceeded to Gareloch to have her compasses adjusted The suggestion that readers may recollect the Iona II s passage out of the Clyde infers that this is a newspaper local to the Clyde, and it is likely to be relatively straightforward to find the original source of this article during further research This article also describes insubordination among the crew at Queenstown (now Cobh in the Republic of Ireland). Various documentary sources refer to the mutiny of thirteen members of the Iona II s crew at Queenstown, with some suggestion that the crew members did not want to embark on the ship as it was not seaworthy (Paterson 1972: 19) During this time, agents of both the British and the American Federal Government were monitoring the activities of shipbuilders, ship-owners and suspected Confederate agents sourcing vessels in Britain. The Iona II s predecessor is mentioned numerous times in the correspondence of the United States Navy and the United States Consul at Liverpool. The Iona II is mentioned in passing in the correspondence of the United States Consul at Queenstown: The steamer Thistle arrived and sailed yesterday bound for Nassau, from Glasgow, laden with general cargo. It is paddle wheel, and as she only stopped in the outer harbor, can not give description of her. The Iona, described in my last dispatch, foundered about twenty-four hours after leaving Queenstown Unfortunately the dispatch that refers directly to the Iona II does not appear to survive. Loss The loss of the Iona II is described in various contemporary sources, including the above dispatch of the United States Consul The Lloyd s Loss Book of the 3 rd of February 1864 mentions that the Iona, from Glasgow had sunk the previous day, about a mile east of Lundy Island. The record also gives the name of the vessel s master as Chapman and that the vessel had last stopped at Queenstown and was bound for Nassau. The Lloyd s Loss Book of February 6 th 1864 also mentions a boat cast ashore on Mort Sands which was suggested to be one of the boats of the sunken Iona The loss of the Iona II is also recounted in the local Clyde newspaper mentioned previously which describes that vessel encountered the most unfavourable weather. This is also echoed in an unnamed Ilfracombe newspaper which states: she met with rough, thick weather, in which she lost her reckoning and sprung a leak. The leakage the crew attribute to the vessel being so deeply laden, which caused her to strain very heavily in a storm It has been suggested that the unenclosed nature of the engine room on the Iona II may have facilitated the ingress of water and the foundering of the vessel and that the incoming water may have doused the engines (WA 2004). The Ilfracombe newspaper seems to support this suggestion: 13

20 by this time the water had so gained on the efforts of the crew to keep the vessel clear as to render her unmanageable, and to obstruct the working of the engines There has been some suggestion in documentary sources that the Iona II s plates parted, which caused her to sink. An article in The Mariner s Mirror (Dixon 1973: 197) describes the life of a seaman named Henry Moffat who had served on an unnamed Confederate steamer. This steamer had sunk after its plates had parted and it is suggested that this unnamed vessel was in fact the Iona II. However, this vessel is also described as having sailed from Cardiff, rather than the Clyde and as having struck Lundy Island, rather than foundering off it. It appears much more likely that this vessel was the Matilda, which was described in the correspondence of the Confederate Navy as a steamer which was stranded on Lundy Island on the 4 th of April 1864 en route from Cardiff to Bermuda. Contemporary Salvage Operations The boat attributed to the Iona II, described in the Lloyd s List entry mentioned above, is also mentioned in a contemporary Ilfracombe newspaper which describes the efforts of the crew to remove cargo while the vessel was sinking. It notes that one of the boats attempting to recover cargo was overloaded and sank and that the other, the one mentioned in the Lloyd s List, broke loose and drifted to Woolacombe Sands near Mortehoe The book Yachting Around the West of England (L Estrange 1865), published the year after the Iona II sank, describes witnessing salvage operations on a vessel off Lundy Island: On our way we met with a sad token of the danger of this exposed and rocky shore: a vessel with a diving bell was engaged in endeavouring to recover the remains of a steamer lately wrecked, whose masts we could just discern above the water. She was, we were informed, the Iona, a very fast vessel just fitted out at Glasgow for running the Federal blockade The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies mention salvage operations, including diver salvage, on some wrecks in America at this time. However, there is no mention of salvage operations being carried out on any vessel lost in British waters. It is possible that further research on the owners of the Iona II may yield some information on these contemporary salvage operations. 5. DISCUSSION The condition of the wreck site appears to be very similar to that observed during WA s 2004 visit. No additional archaeological features have been exposed since 2004, and all archaeological features are discussed in WA s Designated Site Assessment Full Report from that year (WA 2004) It was hoped that the geophysical survey conducted this year would detect some evidence of outlying debris previously reported by divers on the site. However, although the data quality and seafloor coverage for this dataset was good; no anomalies of archaeological interest were detected. The absence of magnetic 14

21 anomalies beyond the immediate radius of the Iona II might have been conditioned by the following factors: Absence of objects: It is possible that no objects of high ferrous content lie within the survey areas or these have been recovered. The altitude of the magnetometer over the seafloor might have precluded the detection of small ferrous objects in the site of the Iona II. Note that the Iona II and the Robert s high ferrous content also caused a magnetic masking of approximately 200m radius WA conducted a limited amount of documentary research during the course of this assessment. The information gathered during that research suggests that further primary source data exists which may be useful in resolving some of the outstanding questions about the Iona II Further work on the Iona II could include a comprehensive desk-based assessment and collation of primary source material. Such an assessment could easily be expanded in scope to cover other steam-driven blockade-runners such as the Iona II s sister ship the Iona, and the Matilda which was lost nearby Further recommendations for future work regarding the Iona II have already been made in a separate Management Report submitted to EH. 6. REFERENCES: Duckworth and Langmuir, 1987, West Highland Steamers, 4 th Edition. Consular Report from US Consul at Queenstown to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, dated 4 th of February 1864 in Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 9: North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (May 5, May 5, 1864), Government Printing Office, Washington. Letter from James D. Bulloch to S. R. Mallory, Secretary of the Confederate Navy, dated 14 th of April 1864 in Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series II - Volume 2: Navy Department Correspondence , with Agents Abroad, Government Printing Office, Washington. Dixon, C., 1973, The Hard Life and Times of Henry Moffat, Seaman, in The Mariner s Mirror 59 (2). English Heritage, 2008, Brief for Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973): Iona II. English Heritage, 2008a, Protected Wreck Sites at Risk: A Risk Management Handbook. L Estrange, A. G., 1865, Yachting around the West of England, Hurst and Blackett, London. 15

22 Glasgow Daily Herald, 20 th of May, Illustrated London News, June Irving, R. A., Holt, R. and Moss, D., 1995, Selected Reports from the Marine Conservation Society s Diving Working Party to Lundy, 3-10 June 1995, in Lundy Field Society 46 th Annual Report. Paterson, A. J. S., 1972, The Victorian Summer of the Clyde Steamers , David & Charles, Newton Abbott. Wessex Archaeology, 2003, Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973): Recording Methodologies, Unpublished Report Ref: a. Wessex Archaeology, 2004, Iona II, Lundy: Designated Site Assessment Full Report, Unpublished Report Ref: z 16

23 APPENDIX I: MONITORING POINTS Point Details 2004 WA Site Visit Details 2008 WA Site Visit Details Co-ords WGS84 Dive Details Photo No. Description Dive Details Photo Nos. Description UTM 30 MP No Dive 235 Obs Dive 235 Obs Dive 235 Obs Dive 238 Obs Dive 238 Obs Dive 238 Obs Dive 238 Obs DSC00030.JPG No photo DSC00032.JPG No WA01 iron frame on starboard side in stern area WA02 iron support along central axis in stern area WA03 iron frame port side astern of boiler WA04 first visible frame from bow on port side in bow area WA05 first support frame visible from the bow running along the keel Not subject to detailed inspection Not subject to detailed inspection Not subject to detailed inspection WA06 port forward boiler Dive WA07 hull plating on port side near forward port boiler Dive Dive Dive , 3020 The marine growth covering this frame is heavier than previously observed, otherwise the frame is reported to be in similar condition to that observed in This support frame is reported to be in similar condition to that observed in The boilers are reported to be in very similar condition to that observed in The plates are still intact and there is a similar degree of burial and the starboard boiler firebox remains exposed by scour. The exposed plating was observed to be in a slightly more degraded condition than that observed in

24 Point Details 2004 WA Site Visit Details 2008 WA Site Visit Details Co-ords WGS84 Dive Details Photo No. Description Dive Details Photo Nos. Description UTM 30 MP No Dive 238 Obs Dive no 238 Obs Dive 238 Obs Dive 239 Obs Dive 239 Obs Dive 239 Obs Dive 239 Obs Dive 239 Obs Dive 239 Obs No photo No photo WA08 base of funnel lying on portside of wreck, lying near port forward boilers and portside crankshaft WA09 attached to possible remains of a paddle wheel on port side WA10 portside crankshaft tag attached to possible piston WA11 attached to bottom of starboard paddle wheel WA12 port side boiler stern centre point at forward end 2912 WA13 Ballast mound area stern No photo No photo Stern post, on furthest post at end of wreck WA15 first frame on port side near stern WA16 frame on port side Dive 242 Dive 242 Not subject to detailed inspection Not subject to detailed inspection Dive 242 Not subject to detailed inspection No photo No photo No photo Dive Not subject to detailed inspection Not subject to detailed inspection The funnel base remains intact and is in the same position as that observed in Paddle wheel remains and crankshaft were only briefly inspected but appear to be in similar condition to that observed in There is a piece of possible collapsed hull plating outboard of the paddle wheel debris. The boilers are in a similar condition to that observed in The stern post is in a similar condition to that observed in 2004, some exposed elements of upstanding structure in the vicinity appear fragile. 18

25 Point Details 2004 WA Site Visit Details 2008 WA Site Visit Details Co-ords WGS84 Dive Details Photo No. Description Dive Details Photo Nos. Description UTM 30 MP No Dive 239 Dive 238 Dive 236 Obs Dive 234 Obs Dive 237 Obs Dive 232 Obs Dive 232 Obs No photo DSC WA17 portside funnel out side of wreck Possible section of wheel fragment found outside wreck Dive 242 Not subject to detailed inspection DSC Bow area Dive 242 No photo Firebox Dive 242 No photo No photo No photo Area between stern of Iona II and MV Robert. No debris exists in 2004 Seabed description: loose seabed, some shingle and gravel, poorly sorted. Base of funnel on top of forward boilers Dive 243 Dive244 Not subject to detailed inspection Dive 242 No photo No photo The funnel is reported to be in a similar condition to that observed in The bow area remains in a similar condition to that observed in 2004, with marginally lower sediment levels. An upstanding stanchion depicted in the Droste photomosaic (2001) was not noted this year, it has probably collapsed and is lying on the seabed. This firebox is still exposed by scour. Metal detector search revealed some modern debris, nothing attributed to wreck of Iona II. The funnel base is in a similar condition to that observed in

26 APPENDIX II: MAGNETOMETER OBSERVATION LOG WA ID Easting Northing Total Amplitude (nt) Description Iona II, detected in four survey lines and revealing four strong magnetic anomalies. Maximum magnetic signature of nT and minimum nT. Likely to be the northern section of the Iona II but also clearly detached from group anomaly ID This might represent a significant degree of strong ferrous material in the northern section of the wreck. Possibly geological but very close to the wreck of the Iona II. Possibly magnetic disturbance but between two wrecks, the Iona II and the Robert Robert, detected over two survey lines (possibly three) and revealing a total of three strong magnetic anomalies ( nT, nT and nT) Archaeological Discrimination WA Reference ID A1 4001, 4002, 4009, 4010 A A A A1 4006, 4007,

27 APPENDIX III: RECEIVER OF WRECK DROITS RELATING TO THE IONA II Droit number Position Found Description A/ mile east of Lundy Island Two engine oil boxes, one brass tap with copper pipe and one bottle. Recovered prior to designation. A/3458 Off Lundy One lead and pewter toilet with a decorated ceramic bowl. Recovered prior to designation. The finders assumed that the item is from the Iona II, but it was recovered many years ago and they cannot be sure. A/3317 ½ mile east of Lundy One bayonet fit jar top. Recovered prior to designation. 21

28 Designated Area (50m radius) Iona II LUNDY HARTLAND POINT Drawing projection: UTM WGS84 z30n Admiralty Chart 1179 (dated 1994) SI position 'N 'W (WGS84 Geogs) Wessex Archaeology Iona II site location This product has been derived, in part, from Crown Copyright Material with the permission of the UK Hydrographic Office and the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office ( All rights reserved. (Wessex Archaeology Licence Number 820/020220/11) NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION WARNING: The UK Hydrographic Ofice has not verified the information within this product and does not accept liability for the accuracy of reproduction or any modifications made thereafter. This material is for client report only Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Date: Scale: Path: 07/10/08 Revision Number: 0 1:200,000 & (inset) 1:2000 Illustrator: KJB U:\Projects\53111\Drawing Office\Report figures\2008\z30_iona II\Arch Report Figure 1

29 MV Robert Buoy 6000 Iona II m Area shown 100nT Designated Area Geophysical anomaly Diver search area Approximate extent of wreck sites -100nT Wessex Archaeology This material is for client report only Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Date: 05/01/09 Revision Number: Scale: Path: 1:4000 & Illustrator: KJB U:\PROJECTS\53111\Drawing Office\Report Figures\2008\z30_2008_Iona II\Archaeological report Magnetometer data Figure 2

30 MP14 MP1 MP15 MP21 MP13 MP2 MP3 MP22 MP20 MP11 MP17 MP12 MP10 MP23 MP9 MP8 MP6 MP7 MP19 MP18 MP5 MP Additional information Monitoring points MP4 Wessex Archaeology This material is for client report only C. Rule, I. Cundy and Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Date: Scale: Path: 01/03/05 Revision Number: 0 Illustrator: U:\Projects\53111\Drawing office\report figures\2008\z30_2008_iona II\Arch report\ KJB WA isometric sketch plan of site showing monitoring points Figure 3

31 Plate 1: Frame (MP5) (2004) Plate 2: Frame (MP5) (2008) This material is for client report only Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Wessex Archaeology Date: Scale: Path: 18/11/08 Revision Number: 0 Illustrator: U:\PROJECTS\53111\Drawing Office\Report Figures\2008\z30_2008_Iona II\Archaeological report KJB Plates 1-2

32 Plate 3: Forward boilers (MP6) (2004) Plate 4: Forward boilers (MP6) (2008) This material is for client report only Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Wessex Archaeology Date: Scale: Path: 18/11/08 Revision Number: 0 Illustrator: U:\PROJECTS\53111\Drawing Office\Report Figures\2008\z30_2008_Iona II\Archaeological report KJB Plates 3-4

33 Plate 5: Grille and side structure adjacent to boilers (MP6) (2004) Plate 6: Grille adjacent to boilers (MP6) (2008) This material is for client report only Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Wessex Archaeology Date: Scale: Path: 18/11/08 Revision Number: 0 Illustrator: U:\PROJECTS\53111\Drawing Office\Report Figures\2008\z30_2008_Iona II\Archaeological report KJB Plates 5-6

34 Plate 7: Sternpost (MP14) (2004) Plate 8: Sternpost (MP14) (2008) This material is for client report only Wessex Archaeology. No unauthorised reproduction. Wessex Archaeology Date: Scale: Path: 18/11/08 Revision Number: 0 Illustrator: U:\PROJECTS\53111\Drawing Office\Report Figures\2008\z30_2008_Iona II\Archaeological report KJB Plates 7-8

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