Maritime record TR 36 SE 903 - Biscay Merchant

Primary Sources:

'Dec. 30. London. Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle...Letters from Deal of the 29th speak of very great storms in the Downs. Several shipsthat went out with a southerly wind were by its change to N. W. driven back and into Dover Road. The BISCAY MERCHANT of London was driven this morning out of Maragret Road on shore near Sandwich Bay, laden with piece goods and very rich. At the coming away of our letters she was not broken to pieces, but there were hopes, if the wind ceased, to save her. (2)

Secondary Sources:

Letter from Deal dated 29-DEC-1682: `There have been great storms in the Downs. The BISCAY MERCHANT was driven out of Margate Roads and is now on shore near Sandwich Bay. She is very rich and not yet broken to pieces and if the wind ceases she may be saved.' [Later reported to have gone to pieces.] (1)

Date of Loss Qualifier: Reporting date of loss

<1> Larn, Richard and Bridget, 1995, Shipwreck index of the British Isles, volume 2 : Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent (Mainland), Kent (Downs), Goodwin Sands, Thames (Bibliographic reference). SKE31910.

<2> Calendar of State Papers Domestic (Bibliographic reference). SKE6354.