A rare 330-year-old captain’s chamber pot – one of just six known of its type – has been found in a wreck off Britain.
The pewter vessel was found among the timbers on the seabed hundreds of feet down.
It belonged to the captain of warship The Coronation.
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It was launched in 1685 and wrecked in a gale off Penlee Point, Cornwall, in 1691.
The exact reasons for her loss are unclear, but the pot was only found by divers last year.
Diver Mark Pearce is part of The Coronation Wreck Project, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Mark said: “This is a special and exciting find.
“The pot is over 330-years-old and this is a properly rare find.
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“We think one of only six or seven found
“The pot has now been examined, stabilised and preserved.
“Each and every item found goes through this process to ensure its safely stabilised for both this generation and the next to enjoy and learn from.
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“The pot would have only been for the captain and maybe a few other VIPs.
“The rest of the crew would have had to simply go over the side of the vessel.
“Virtually all of them would have to go to the toilet over the sides.
“So privacy was impossible for the most basic functions.
“Those who have worked on vessels will know the joys of the vacuum toilet systems.
“In the 1650s to 1800s, the chamber pot would have been considered a high-status luxury item.
“Most sailors would never have been able to afford one.
“So it’s likely it belonged to the captain or a senior officer.
“It’s a fair assumption that it was the captain’s.
“So it’s a fascinating glimpse into life on board.”
He added that this year chamber pot will be added to the Coronation display in the Devonport Naval Heritage Museum, Plymouth, Devon.
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