Gribshunden 1495

Former Master of the Armouries, Guy Wilson and leading expert on early artillery, Kay Smith gave a fascinating and informative talk in the Library of the Swedish Church about the Gribshunden. In 1495, King John of Denmark was using his flagship, the Gribshunden, as a floating palace as he sailed along the southern coast of Sweden, seeking support for re-forming the Kalmar Union by making him King of Sweden. Disaster struck near Ronneby when the ship caught fire and sank. The wreck has now been rediscovered and is being excavated. Lost 50 years before the sinking of the Mary Rose, the wreck is of enormous significance and has already yielded many fascinating artefacts that are challenging conventional thinking. We are very grateful to Guy and Kay for giving up their time so generously.