Archaeological remains associated with the loss of this vessel are not confirmed as present at this location, but may be in the vicinity.

Event and Historical Information:
The MARGARET LLOYD was a wooden smack built at Aberystwyth in 1854 by Thomas Watkins (official number 8156). Technical and configuration specifications are given as 52 tons burthen; 56.4ft length x 15.4ft breadth x 8.5ft breadth; dandy smack rigged with a running bowsprit, square stern, carvel built; wooden frame work and planking. The vessel became one of the casualties of the Royal Charter gale. The smack's Port of Aberystwyth Shipping Register entry notes the owner and master as William Lloyd the younger of Aberystwyth. The smack was carrying a cargo of slates on its last fateful voyage. It was seen tacking to and forth off for some 3 hours (between 7 and 10 o'clock) about a mile off Aberystwyth in evident distress. As no light was being shown at the harbour, the master was unable to locate the entrance. The harbour master was informed by both members of the captain's family and other bystanders, but neglected to take any action. Consequently, the smack was forced to head down the coast and was eventually overwhelmed near Cardigan Island - its masts were seen above the water some 300 yards east-southeast of the island. The four crewmembers were drowned.

Sources include:
Board of Trade Harbours of Refuge Inquiries 1859 pg121 (563)
Board of Trade Wreck Return 1859, pg25, House of Commons Papers Online, document 2623
Larn and Larn Shipwreck Database 2002
Lloyds Register of British and Foreign Shipping, 1 July 1858 - 30 June 1859, number 176 in M
Port of Aberystwyth Shipping Register 1853-1855, Ceredigion Archive Service AT/SHIP 4, folio 27
Troughton, W, 2006, Ceredigion Shipwrecks, pg13-14

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, September 2010.