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 ALEXANDER was a wooden schooner built at Barnstaple in 1837. Technical and configuration specifications are given as 41 3012/3500 tons burthen; 49.7ft length x 15.4ft breadth x 7.2ft depth in hold; schooner rigged with a running bowsprit, square sterned, carvel built. At time of loss, the vessel was owned by Robert Dyer of Braunston, Devon, merchant. The schooner's port of Barnstaple Shipping Register entry (5 in 1845) is closed with a letter from the owner 'Barnstaple, 6 January 1860. Sir, I beg to acqaint you that my vessel the ALEXANDER was lost in the gale on the 1st November last supposed about 2 miles off Carmarthen Bar. I am Your Ob Servant. Robert Dyer.'
The North Devon Journal carried a report of the loss setting up an appeal to help a crewman's family 'We are sorry to have to annouce the loss of the ALEXANDER of Barnstaple, the property of Robert Dyer Esq, of Revel Cottage, in this parish, the master Mr William Leek, and his crew consisting of his son and William Williams. The latter has left a wife and six children in most destitute circumstances. The vessel sailed from Llanelly, laden with stone coals consigned to Mr Tamplyn of Barnstaple, on the 30th alt, and is supposed to have foundered somewhere off the Welsh coast. Of her loss there can be no doubt, as the stern board and other parts have been washed washed ashore at Pembrey, of which intelligence has been communicated to the owner. It is proposed to set on foot a subscripton for Williams' wife and children and we hope the helpless condition in which the family is left will enlist the synpathies of a benevolent public.'
Sources include:
North Devon Journal, 10 November 1859, pg5 col 6, British Newspapers Online
Port of Bideford Shipping Register 1843-1855, North Devon Record Office, 3319/4, folio 71
