‘This is a fascinating discovery that offers a glimpse into Hull’s maritime and military past’
A historic cast-iron cannon found during works at Queen’s Gardens in Hull(Image: Hull City Council)
A cast-iron cannon thought to date back as far the 17th century has been uncovered during ongoing transformation works in Queen’s Gardens in Hull. The find was made during excavation for an attenuation tank, when local contractors, C R Reynolds, discovered the large object embedded beneath ground level.
Early assessments from the archaeology team suggest the cannon may date from the 17th to 18th century, although this broad timeframe will be refined as investigations progress. The cannon measures approximately 2.6m in length and is estimated to weigh over a tonne.
Initial observations indicate the cannon had been decommissioned, with the nozzle deliberately capped. Archaeologists believe it was likely repurposed as a mooring post, a common practice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before being pushed into the dock area prior to it being infilled in the 1930s.
The cannon dug up at Queens Gardens in Hull is thought to be up to 300 years old(Image: Hull City Council)
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Further excavation will continue in the immediate area to continue as part of the ongoing works. Peter Connelly, of Humber Field Archaeology, said: “This is a fascinating discovery that offers a glimpse into Hull’s maritime and military past.
“Our archaeology team is now carrying out detailed assessments and we’ll be able to share more once their work is complete. Finds like this highlight the rich history beneath our city and the importance of careful excavation as we deliver the Queen’s Gardens transformation.”
The cannon will be fully assessed and recorded off-site. More information will be provided once archaeological analysis is complete.
You can hear from Peter Connelly, of Humber Field Archaeology, on the discovery of the cannon on YouTube.
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