AH-WR-1016

Nottingham Galley

Merchant Galley · Great Britain · Lost 1710 · Cape Ann & the Gulf of Maine

An English merchant ship wrecked on desolate Boon Island in a December storm in 1710, whose starving survivors' ordeal became one of colonial New England's most infamous tales.

Become Captain of Record See Shipwreck on Map

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Historically Reconstructed. Drawn from partial documentation of this vessel together with her known class and configuration. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Nottingham Galley left London bound for Boston in 1710, carrying cordage, butter, and cheese under Captain John Deane. In December she wrecked on the rocks of Boon Island off the Maine coast. The fourteen-man crew survived for 24 days on the barren island in freezing conditions, during which several died and the survivors reportedly resorted to cannibalism before being rescued. Conflicting published accounts by the captain and several crewmen turned the wreck into a public controversy in London.

Vessel

Built: Not established
Builder: Not established
Yard: London, England
Material: Wood
Length: Not established
Beam: Not established
Tonnage: 120
Propulsion: Sail
Owners: Jasper Deane and Captain John Deane

Loss

Date: December 11, 1710
Cause: Grounding
Location: Boon Island, York, Maine
Water: Gulf of Maine
Voyage: London, England (via Killybegs, Ireland) → Boston, Massachusetts
Cargo: Cordage, butter, and cheese
Aboard: 14
Lives lost: 4
Master: John Deane

The Wreck Today

Depth: Not established
Condition: Not established
Orientation: Not established
Discovered: 1995
Protection: Not established

Position

Coordinates: 43.12° N 70.48° W
Accuracy: Approximate position
Nearest: Boon Island, York, Maine
Region: Cape Ann & the Gulf of Maine

Position corresponds to Boon Island itself, where the wreck came ashore; exact hull location not published.

Evidence

Overall confidence: Documented (80/100)

The precise remains of the hull have not been fully located or excavated; recovered cannon are associated with, but do not conclusively pinpoint, the wreck site.