Anguilla’s cannons, scattered around the island on land and under the sea, are familiar sites for fishermen and divers, appreciated by all who “discover” them again and again.

Iron Swivel guns removed from sea without conservation (photo by Lillian Azevedo)

Why then, have so many been taken up from their natural setting? Is misdirected enthusiasm or outright looting responsible for this irreplaceable loss?

Many people believe that by removing them they are “rescuing” them from the hostile ocean. The truth is actually opposite. Cannons, anchors, and other ferrous artefacts have, over decades, immersed in the sea, reached an equilibrium where they no longer deteriorate but are stable. Layers of concretion and coral form a protective shell around the artefact. If this shell is removed or the artefact exposed to air, then deterioration begins again. Without conservation, the iron will, in a few years, show signs of falling apart. This process begins on the inside and by the time damage is visible, it is too late to reverse the damage. Conservation is time-consuming and expensive. A single cannon can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat. The solution is simple. Anguilla’s marine artefacts should remain where they are for future generations to enjoy in their natural setting.
The Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society is working to record these and other historic features on Anguilla.

If you find a cannon or other artefact in the sea don’t remove it. Please notify the Society at aahsanguilla.org or contact Lillian Azevedo at maritimearcheology@gmail.com.

Editor's Note: This is the first of a series of articles by the above archaeologists.

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