Guided Walk to the Amsterdam
For over two hundred years, during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, much of the world’s international trade was carried out by great sailing vessels, known as East Indiamen. These majestic ships, operated by huge companies, were based in the UK and others, including the Netherlands, Spain, France and Portugal.
In time, the East Indiamen disappeared, leaving behind little more than romantic memories of that great age of sailing. However, more than memories survive along our local stretch of coast because, near Bulverhythe in St Leonards, there rests the most complete wreck anywhere in the world of one of these magnificent vessels – the Dutch East Indiaman, The Amsterdam. Between two thirds and three-quarters of the ship remains, making her more complete than The Mary Rose. She is, in every respect, an international nautical treasure and should rank far higher in the imposing list of Hastings and St Leonards superb heritage jewels. Yet, for many, she remains a hidden secret.
For the last two years, she has remained hidden from sight under a blanket of sand and shingle as a result of natural foreshore movements. However, probably as a result of the recent storms, the two-and-three-quarter-centuries-old remains of the mighty vessel have finally emerged from hibernation and are once again visible.
As a result, the Shipwreck Museum has been able to resume its popular guided walks to the wreck. These not only reveal the remarkable story of the vessel itself, but also explore the extraordinary geology of the surrounding area, including direct contact with rocks from the early Cretaceous period and examining perfectly preserved (not fossilised/petrified) trees from a 4,000 year-old Bronze Age forest.
Two walks have already taken place, and another one is coming up on Sunday April 19 with the occurrence of a very low tide. Lasting about an hour, it begins at 7.10am from the observation platform on the far side of the railway bridge at the end of Bridge Way, West St Leonards TN38 8AP. People are encouraged to be punctual as, in the words of the saying, “Time and tide wait for no man!” It is strongly recommended that visitors don appropriate clothes and footwear, bearing in mind that it can be cold, wet, slippery – and muddy.
Tickets are available directly from the Shipwreck Museum (open 10.30am – 5pm every day) or by telephone on 01424 437452. You can also order them by e-mail [email protected] or pay the walk leaders on the day itself (cash only). The cost of £6 for adults and £2 for children includes a copy of the fully-illustrated Amsterdam guidebook by Dr Peter Marsden, founder of the Museum and expert on the wreck.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply