08/03/2026
On this day 7th of March 1665, the London warship, flagship to Sir John Lawson accidentally exploded out in the Thames Estuary, whilst in preparation for the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
The sad loss was mentioned by two famous diarists and naval administrators.
Samuel Pepys, 8th March 1665. 'This morning is brought me to the office the sad news of “The London,” in which Sir J.Lawson’s men were all bringing her from Chatham to the Hope, and thence he was to go to sea in her; but a little a’this side the buoy of the Nower, she suddenly blew up. About 24 (men) and a woman that were in the round-house and coach saved; the rest, being above 300, drowned: the ship breaking all in pieces, with 80 pieces of brass ordnance. She lies sunk, with her round-house above water. Sir J.Lawson hath a great loss in this of so many good chosen men, and many relations among them.'
John Evelyn, 9th March 1665. 'I went to receive the poor creatures that were saved out of the London frigate, blown up by accident, with above 200 men.'
John Evelyn,16th May 1665.'To London, to consider of the poor orphans and widows made by this bloody beginning, and whose husbands and relations perished in the London frigate, of which there were fifty widows, and forty-five of them with child.'
To mark this event at 11am today, some of our team are excited to give their first walk and talk (sadly now sold out), along Southend's famous pier.
Hopefully, sowing some seeds to form a lasting legacy, for the poor souls who lost their lives, and to help save our maritime heritage before it's lost forever.
