Hobby treasure hunter uncovers enormous hoard of gold from sixteenth century shipwreck
After 20 years and 1,000 trips to Margam Beach, metal detectorist Peter Hughes was “overwhelmed” when storms exposed the 1583 Ann Francis wreck and he uncovered a hoard of rare gold coins
One of the artefacts found and on display at Amgueddfa Cymru, Wales’ national museum(Image: Jam Press/Amgueddfa Cymru)
A hobby treasure hunter who spent more than two decades searching a beach with his metal detector was “overwhelmed” after uncovering a huge hoard of gold from a 16th century shipwreck.
Peter Hughes, 69, discovered hundreds of coins and artefacts after storms stripped away the sand concealing the wreck of the merchant vessel Ann Francis.
The treasure dates back to 1583, when the Ann Francis was blown off course during a ferocious storm while returning from Spain. The ship’s owner, Francis Shaxton of Kings Lynn, had sent a valuable cargo of grain to Spain but lost both the vessel and its payment when it was wrecked on Margam Beach in Neath Port Talbot.
Peter said: “When I lifted the coin from the sand, and the sand fell off the coin, it glowed like the sun in my hand. I was overwhelmed, because I saw the figure of a saint holding a ship, Saint Vincent, and I thought it was a token at first.
“But when I turned it over and saw the shield of Portugal, then I knew it was a coin. I was overwhelmed with excitement, the thrill was unbelievable.” Peter said he had visited the beach more than 1,000 times and spent thousands of hours searching for the wreck.
Most trips ended with nothing being found. He said he was fortunate to have a high tolerance for disappointment and that the thrill of searching kept him going.
Among his discoveries are several historical gold coins from the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, a Boatswain’s whistle and a combination lock from one of the ship’s wooden chests. The lock’s secret word remains uncracked despite numerous attempts.
It is estimated that only a quarter of the money aboard the Ann Francis, which was wrecked on 28 December 1583, has ever been recovered. The remarkable collection, which includes rare gold coins, has now gone on public display for the first time at the National Waterfront Museum.
Peter said he initially did not know what to do with the discoveries before contacting Amgueddfa Cymru, Wales’ national museum. “The objects and the treasure belong to the people, and belonged to the heritage of Wales,” he added.
“The Pirates of the Caribbean come to mind when I look at it.” Alastair Willis, of Amgueddfa Cymru, said: “Not only are the coins and artefacts spectacular, but they are backed up by a wealth of contemporary records that bring together stories of sailors, looters, lords, a smuggler and even a woman accused of witchcraft.
“These stories and the collection are fascinating, and it is wonderful that Amgueddfa Cymru has the opportunity to display them.” Nicole Deufel, of the National Waterfront Museum, said: “We are delighted to be presenting this fascinating hoard from the Ann Francis for public display for the first time.
“As the National Waterfront Museum continues on its journey of redevelopment, bringing this wonderful collection of objects to the museum is a fitting addition to our displays as we move towards being focused on telling the stories of Wales and its connections and relationship with the sea. We can’t wait for visitors to find out more about this significant historical treasure that was discovered on Welsh shores.”
The stretch of Margam Beach where the treasure was discovered is now a protected site to preserve any remaining evidence of the shipwreck, making it illegal to search there.
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