EXPERTS from Bournemouth University are playing a key role in unearthing the secrets of the ship that sunk in the Solent more than 250 years ago – and they recently recovered a cannon from the wreckage.

The team featuring representatives from Bournemouth University, the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) and the National Museum of the Royal Navy have been working on the excavation of HMS Invincible, which is located in the Solent.

The French ship was captured by the British in 1747. It was used by the Royal Navy until it sank to the sea bed in 1758 after hitting a sandbank.

It is hoped finds from the ship could bring context to a period of maritime warfare which is quite unknown.

The team began excavation work on the vessel last year, building on work from previous divers since the ship was rediscovered in 1979.

Work on the second excavation began last month.

Dave Parham, associate professor of Maritime Archaeology at Bournemouth University, said: “The sheer scale of the task is growing as we uncover previously unseen hull, enough to make an assessment to plan a way forward."

So far, the team has uncovered a number of artefacts, including one of the ship’s cannons, and a range of other weaponry, which brings light to warfare in this period of maritime history.

It is planned that the excavated materials will go on display for the public to enjoy.

Jessica Berry, chief executive of MAST, said: "It is a huge honour to have been able to make this project possible. Every day on site is hugely exciting and brings us something new.”

The team was awarded £2million of funding from the government to excavate the wreckage and plans are already underway for the continuation of the project through a third excavation season.

Dan Pascoe, the HMS Invincible site licensee and nominated archaeologist, said: "What is exciting is that the artefacts are in their original context.

"Gun wads have been found in their right place and quoins (used to elevate the cannon in place) are all marked for their specific size.

“What is evident is the huge level of organisation level and professionalism of the Royal Navy. The finds show a very well organised Navy. All survive in good condition because of the intact nature of ship”

More information about the project can be found online at www.thisismast.org/projects/hms-invincible.html#news