GM553

The Wreck of the "Louisa"  

27/12/2001  

Designated  

Cardiff  

Grangetown  

318148  

174021  

Transport  

Boat  

Post Medieval/Modern  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The wrecked remains of the "Louisa", a large 19th century sea going merchant vessel, currently rest in silt on the western side of the River Taff between the Clarence Bridge and the new PDR Bridge. Prior to the impoundment of the Bay, the water levels in the river fluctuated exposing the wreck periodically but since impoundment this has stabilised leaving the wreck completely submerged at nearly all times. The hulk survives largely intact up to the iron hanging knees for the lower deck beams for almost half of the original length of the vessel, and two thirds of the length at the keel level. The stempost and lower part of the foremast can still be recognised as can the mast-step for the main mast. The distance between the two masts has been measured at 20.9m and the overall length from main mast to bow is 25m. The long wrought iron knees are spaced at intervals of 1.67m (approx.) to provide central supports for the former deck beams. The depth of the hold from these knees measures about 3.6m. A diagonal system of planking in which skins of external planking were applied to horizontal planking was adopted here to increase hull strength and substantial remains of both horizontal and diagonal planking remains. The hulk is that of a deep-sea wooden square rigged merchant sailing ship from the final age of sail, when iron first began to be used for shipbuilding. It is typical of the period being of composite construction, iron being used for the knees, straps and fastenings. The dimensions of the hull, the appearance of her full body and flat floors, reminiscent of earlier bulk carriers, and oral tradition combine to give much credence to the probability that this hulk could be the remains of the 780 gross ton wooden ship “Louisa”. The “Louisa” was built on Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1851. She was built by James Yeo, a Devonian emigrant for his son, William Yeo, to be used in Transatlantic trade. It was originally registered in Bristol and then from 1872 in Cardiff and probably used to transport Canadian timber to Bideford and Bristol. The Lloyd’s Register describes the “Louisa” (official number 32808) as measuring 147 ft long by 30 ft wide and 21ft deep. She last appears in the Register in 1902 when she was owned and sailed by Joseph Rees of Aberaeron. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of maritime transport. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.