Artefacts recovered from the wreck of the ‘SS Persia’, on display at Buckler’s Hard

The Maritime Museum at Buckler’s Hard on the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire unveiled a new permanent exhibition recently exploring artefacts uncovered from the wrecked passenger liner, the SS Persia, in one of the world’s largest deep sea excavations.

Carrying a fortune in gold and silver bullion bound for one of the Indian princely states, the liner was en route from London to Bombay in December 1915 when it was attacked by a German U-Boat in the Mediterranean. Amongst the 500 passengers onboard was John, 2nd Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and his secretary and mistress, Eleanor Thornton, who drowned during the sinking. After the tragedy, Lord Montagu memorialised his lover in the Spirit of Ecstasy mascots that still adorn Rolls Royce cars.

In 2001, developments in deep sea exploration enabled scientists and archaeologists to mount an expedition to locate and explore the wreck and specifically the ship’s bullion room, which was subsequently found to be empty.

Amongst the evocative pieces your group can see at the exhibition are a range of personal items entombed since the sinking. These include clothes, spectacles and pipes as well as effects from the 1st class pantry and packages from the mail room including Christmas presents bound for the sub-continent.

Groups are offered a discount on admission.

For more information telephone 01590 614645