Construction workers in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom, made a surprising discovery during a recent project: a 300-year-old cast-iron cannon. The artifact, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, was found during routine construction work.

Discovery and Initial Assessment

The Hull City Council announced the find, which occurred in the East Yorkshire city. Archaeologists from Humber Field Archaeology, a division of the council, immediately began examining the cannon. The artifact weighs over a ton and measures nearly nine feet in length.

Repurposed History

Initial assessments suggest the cannon was decommissioned, with its nozzle intentionally sealed. Experts believe it was likely repurposed as a mooring post during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before being discarded into a dock area that was later filled in during the 1930s. Photographs show the cannon heavily encrusted with dirt and corrosion.

Archaeological Perspective

“The construction workers certainly didn’t expect to find a cannon, and initially didn’t even recognize it as such,” said Peter Connelly, archaeology manager for Humber Field Archaeology. He explained that the discovery highlights how items were disposed of during dock backfilling projects.

A Rare Find

Connelly noted that while such finds aren’t entirely uncommon, this particular cannon is considered very rare. Hull archaeologists previously discovered a cannon from the era of Henry VIII in the late 1990s, and a fragment from before the English Civil War. This new discovery marks only the third of its kind in the past 30 years.

Future Research

Researchers will now analyze the cannon to determine if it was manufactured in Hull, which had its own cannon makers in the late 18th century. The investigation will focus on pinpointing the casting date, origin, and identifying the maker.

Detailed Examination

The examination will include analyzing the metal composition, examining any markings, and comparing it to other known cannons from the period. This detailed study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cannon’s history and usage, contributing to our knowledge of maritime history and industrial practices.