Shipwrecks of the Solent
Stokes Bay Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2QT
The stretch of water between the Isle of Wight and the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth has been one of the busiest shipping areas around the British Isles since antiquity. It is no surprise that the Solent has claimed so many ships in its time.
The Royal Navy has been based in Portsmouth for centuries and the ocean liners have been regularly sailing from Southampton since the nineteenth century, and this waterway has endured war, storms, and accidents throughout its history, as well as witnessing numerous maritime celebrations and everyday passage of boats and ships.
Among the shipping disasters on the Solent have been the unexpected sinking of the Mary Rose in 1545, the mystery of the Flag Theofano, missing from her anchorage in 1990, and the fight to save the disabled car carrier Höegh Osaka in 2016. The world’s worst hovercraft disaster in 1972 and the celebrations as the Mary Rose was raised ten years later show that the Solent is, and always has been, a place for history and drama.
Author and historian Richard Jones has dedicated his life to the research of shipwrecks and other historic disasters that history may have overlooked. Over 30 years of research has resulted in an extensive archive of shipwrecks, 21 published books, and 13 successful memorial campaigns.
There will be an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Richard’s books, should you wish...
Timings & Tours
- Monday 09 September:
- 1930
Location & directions
Stokes Bay Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2QT
- Directions:
- Turn off Stokes Bay Road opposite the sea wall. There is a sign for the Alverbank at the turning.
- Contact on day:
- Richard M Jones
- Telephone number:
- +447764858706
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The venue is accessible for wheelchairs, and buggies. Toilets, including accessible, are excellent. Space for Blue Badge holders to park close to the door. We request that other drivers to please respect the very closest spaces, even if not marked as 'disabled' bays. There is other parking at the front and rear of the Alverbank. On arrival, please enter your vehicle registration on the machine at Reception to avoid any fines.
Additional information
Please note: Immediately preceding this talk, on Monday 9th Sept at 1830, you might also like to come to enjoy a talk by Joseph Marsden, 'Coastwatch: Eyes Along the Coast'. The bar will be open for refreshments.
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
