Thus we bring news of happening heritage with the discovery of a cannon found at Dockyard, which proved to be from the armories of the king who lost his head in 1649. In a number of places about the island, obsolete cannon were recycled as dock bollards, mooring weights and pivots, the last for new guns. One such cannon pivot was unearthed at Bastion “I” at the southern end of the Northwest Rampart connecting the Commissioner’s House to the Casemate Barracks.

Upon cleaning by the National Museum conservator, Bindiya Bhatnagar, the “Tudor Rose and Crown” Royal Cypher and the initials C and R, for Charles Rex were found. Because of the nature of those emblems, the cannon was made for Charles I of England, who reigned during some of the early decades of the settlement of Bermuda. It was during his reign (1625-1649) that the first born-Bermudians would have come to maturity, speaking chronologically. The number 24 was cut into the gun near the Royal Cypher.

When Charles Trollope, an historic artillery expert and friend, was called upon, he wrote as follows.

“The gun is a Demi-Culverin Drake (firing a nine-pound cannonball) of eight foot and is one of either eight guns cast in 1637 or two cast in 1640. The term “Drake” refers to the shape of the chamber, which is in the form of a truncated cone. The shape of the button and the indented ring at the end of the second reinforce identify the caster as John Brown. The weight will be about 17-3-00 and the gun cast of “Fine Metal”. I am only aware of Charles I guns having the addition of C R to the Rose and Crown.

“The Number 24 refers to the gun’s position in the ship’s battery, so the vessel was of some size. The most likely ship is HMS Lion (42 guns) rebuilt and enlarged in 1640 and therefore needing a few extra guns. So far your Charles I gun is the first to come to light, but never say never!”

That is to say that the gun trapped at Bermuda is apparently the first Charles I cast iron cannon known to exist; several bronze guns of the beheaded King, later canonised as “Saint Charles Stuart”, are however to be found at the Tower of London.

Through a donation in memory of Douglas Anfossi made by his family and many friends, a replica carriage for this unique piece of international heritage will be built. The cannon will be placed on it on permanent display in the Bermuda Military Exhibit in the Commissioner’s House.

Edward Cecil Harris, MBE, JP, PHD, FSA is Executive Director of the National Museum of Bermuda, incorporating the Bermuda Maritime Museum. Comments may be made to drharris@logic.bm or 704-5480

The Tudor Rose and Crown royal cypher with the initials C and R.

Recording history: Dr. Kim Dismont Robinson and Keishunda Curtis examine the Demi-Culverin.

Charles I when Prince of Wales in 1615.