This summer, residents and visitors will have the chance to explore both local and global maritime history, from newly conserved artefacts recovered from a 17th century Southend shipwreck, to stepping aboard a working replica of Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria.
Opening on 31 May 2025 at Southend Central Museum, ‘The London Shipwreck: Her Final Voyage’ presents never-before-seen finds from the wreck of the London, a warship that sank off the Southend coast in 1665.
The exhibition tells the story of the final journey of the finds from the seabed to their ultimate home at Southend Museums, and the lives of those on board, through personal objects and ground-breaking conservation work.
Meanwhile, from 1 to 7 July 2025, Southend Pier will host the Nao Santa Maria, a full-size replica of Columbus’s 1492 flagship. While not part of Southend’s history, the Santa Maria offers a rare opportunity to explore a legendary vessel that played a significant role in global exploration. The public can tour the ship between 2 and 6 July, discovering its four decks and exhibition areas.
The visit follows the popular 2024 appearance of the Galeón Andalucia, another replica Spanish ship, and continues Southend’s tradition of bringing iconic tall ships to the world’s longest pleasure pier.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: “This summer is a great opportunity to explore two very different maritime stories. ‘The London Shipwreck: Her Final Voyage’ is a powerful local story about tragedy and discovery off our own coastline.
“The Santa Maria, though not linked to Southend, is a striking example of the kinds of ships that shaped world history. Together, they offer a fascinating look at life at sea and are wonderful additions to our museum and summer events programme.”
About the London shipwreck
Built between 1654 to 1656, the London was a 64-gun warship that served during the Anglo-Spanish war and later transported the Duke of York (future King James VII and II) during the restoration of the monarchy. In 1665, the ship tragically exploded in the Thames Estuary, killing around 300 people, a disaster recorded by Samuel Pepys in his diary.
The exhibition features an exceptionally rare 17th century gun carriage, navigational tools, and organic materials such as leather book covers, all painstakingly analysed and conserved through research commissioned by Historic England with conservation led by Angela Middleton, Senior Archaeological Conservator at Historic England.
The London Shipwreck: Her Final Voyage Southend Central Museum 31 May 2025 to 31 May 2026
About the Nao Santa Maria
The Nao Santa Maria is an accurate recreation of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 flagship. Visitors will be able to explore life on board this iconic vessel across four decks, including the Admiral’s cabin and crew areas. The ship will be docked at Southend Pier from 1 to 7 July, with public access from 2 to 6 July.
Nao Santa Maria Southend Pier Docked 1 to 7 July 2025. Open to visitors 2 to 6 July 2025