Archaeological remains associated with the loss of this vessel are not confirmed as present at this location, but may be in the vicinity (see also 525640).
Event and Historical Information:
The State Papers of Elizabeth I contain a long 'Bill of Complaint' compiled by Richard Vaughan of Whitland against Sir John Perrot, who was strongly suspected of encouraging piracy, but who was also well protected by his position and connections at court. Amongst the list of complaints, Richard Vaughan cited an incident whereby Sir John Perrot's associates and servants appropriated cargos and materials from two 'great hulks' driven onto Pendine Sands on 25 March 1577 worth in the region of £6,000 - '... There came of late on this coast against the land of one Erasmus Saunders two great hulks laden with pepper, ginger, civet myske, ? Oil, Calico cloth and diverse other rich goods and the other with salt and wines, which cast out their anchors to seaward hoping to have rid there. But could not for their ship was sanded, where suddenly came upon them the servants and friends of Sir John and took the spoil thereof at their pleasure for two days. Then I repaired to Tenbye where by the means of the said Erasmus the mayor thereof, I had a pinnace with iiij boat 1 x men and all the manner of tools necessary to the intent to save what I might to Her Majesty, my lorde or such as had right there to (but not unlooked for). I was again resisted by 200 men at least of the servants and friends of the said Sir John...'.
Sources include:
Bill of Complaint of Richard Vaughan of Whitland against Sir John Perrot of Carewe 1578, State Papers Domestic, Elizabeth I, Vol 124, no12
Hughes, Cory, E, 1937, Wales and Piracy: A Study in Tudor Administration 1500-1640, Phd Thesis, University of Cardiff, National Library of Wales.
