Wrecks
being excavated by ARQ in Cape Verde:
The
Anchorage of Cidade Velha
Cidade
Velha - the fortress "San Philippe" |
Cidade
Velha - the fortress "San Philippe"
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Cidade
Velha - the fortress "San Philippe" |
Cidade
Velha, or Ribeira Grande as it was known, is where the history of Cape
Verde began. In 1572, seventy years after its settlement, it was granted
'cidade' or 'city' status. By that time it had a population of 1500, many
of which were slaves working in the plantations of the valley.
Plan
of a "Velane", Portuguese Nau, 1558
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In
July 1497 Cidade Velha was visited by Vasco da Gama. A less welcome
visitor was Francis Drake. In November 1585 he attacked the city
by land with a force of 1000 men, but warned of his approach the
inhabitants fled to the hills and Drake found the city deserted.
Drake returned in 1586 and in a naval battle sank six or seven ships.
In
the 17th century Cidade Velha grew and prospered. Located at the
cross-roads of the Atlantic it became an important stop for ships
in need of water, fresh food and repair. In addition it became a
large slaving centre where slaves were transhipped to destinations
in the New World.
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As with any popular anchorage the seabed around Cidade Velha is rich in
material that was lost or discarded by visiting ships. Items recovered
during surveys conducted by ARQUEONAUTAS include manilas, crucifixes,
a range of pottery and a superb bronze canon", most of them from Portuguese shipwrecks which were sunk at anchor in the harbor of Cidade Velha by Francis Drake on his second attack of this town in 1586.
Sir Francis Drake, portrait from The National Gallery, London |
Replica of Sir Francis Drake Flag ship, the "GOLDEN HIND" |
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