Free exhibition at Buckler’s Hard details story of Admiral Nelson’s favourite ship HMS Agamemnon

A SHIP that was Admiral Nelson’s favourite, HMS Agamemnon, is being celebrated at Buckler’s Hard where his fleet was built.

This month marks the 244th anniversary of the ship affectionately known as ‘Eggs and Bacon’ which was constructed from 2,000 oaks under the watchful eye of Buckler’s Hard master shipbuilder Henry Adams and launched there in 1781.

She was named after King Agamemnon, a prominent figure in ancient Greek mythology who participated in the Siege of Troy and was the first Royal Navy vessel to bear the name.

A third-rate 64-gunship of the line, she saw action in the battles of Copenhagen and Trafalgar. Her crew gave her the nickname because they did not like the “posh” names the Admiralty gave ships.

She was commanded between 1793-96 by Nelson but after serving the Royal Navy for nearly 30 years she sank after being wrecked off the coast of Uruguay in 1809. The wreck was discovered in 1933 lying just 800 metres from shore and at a depth of 10 metres.

In 1997 several artefacts were recovered, including a seal bearing the name ‘Nelson’ and one of Agamemnon’s 24 pounder guns.

Last year saw an international diving mission to the site, comprising the Hon. Mary Montagu-Scott, director of Buckler’s Hard, alongside teams from the University of Southampton, the Maritime Archaeology Trust, Bournemouth University, and UDELAR, a Uruguayan university.

Despite challenging visibility conditions, divers conducted a thorough photogrammetry survey, uncovering that much of the starboard side remains intact, with copper bolt fastenings still visible among the timber.

Diving on the wreck has been a lifelong ambition for Lady Montagu-Scott.

She said: “I have always dreamt of seeing this wreck, as HMS Agamemnon is the only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard.

“There are hopes of a return visit to the wreck later this year for a second survey, this time covering a wider area with the hope of finding the port side, whilst monitoring the ongoing deterioration of the timbers.”

Visitors to Buckler’s Hard can see just why Nelson loved the ship in free exhibition the ‘HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend’ in the Shipwright’s cottage.

It details how nations are working together to preserve the wreck ship, which is now at risk of being exposed to erosion, treasure hunters and ship worm decay.

Lady Montagu-Scott added: “I have created this exhibition at Buckler’s Hard to promote and tell the story of how we will work jointly across nations to preserve the remains for future generations.

“The story is one that can bring our nations together, share the history, science and knowledge, and develop and celebrate our friendship through maritime archaeology.”