South Shields, Herd Sand, Happy Return

HER Number:
14801

District:
S Tyneside

Site Name:
South Shields, Herd Sand, Happy Return

Place:
South Shields

Map Sheet:
NZ36NE

Class:
Maritime Craft

Site Type: Broad:
Transport Vessel

Site Type: Specific:
Cargo Vessel

General Period:
Post Medieval

Specific Period:
C17

Form of Evidence:
Wreckage

Description:
August 1811 wreck of English 17th century cargo vessel which stranded on the Herd Sand after leaving Shields, presumably for her usual port of Whitby, with coal; a wooden sailing vessel. `The HAPPY RETURN, was driven upon the Herd Sand, at Shields, and totally wrecked. She had just cleared the bar, when the wind suddenly chopped round to the NE accompanied with a high sea; she broached to, and was instantly driven amongst the breakers. The gale and sea continued to increase, when the NORTHUMBERLAND life-boat was launched, boldly pushed through the broken waves, and brought the crew to land. Shortly after the ship was dashed to pieces. This vessel was 130 years old.' (Courant) Built: circa c1681-1688 Master: Brown

Easting:
37900

Northing:
67300

Grid Reference:
NZ3790067300

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
National Monuments Record (971526); Lloyd's 1969 Lloyd's list 16-AUG-1811, No.4589; Terence Grocott 1997 Shipwrecks of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras Page(s)317; Newcastle Courant 17-AUG-1811, No.7031 Page(s)4; Richard and Bridget Larn 1997 Shipwreck index of the British Isles, volume 3. The east coast of England : Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, County Durham, Northumberland Section 6, County Durham (CF)